Bicol International Airport operational this year

MANILA, Philippines — An international airport in Bicol is set to be operational in the second half with its construction on full swing.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the Bicol International Airport is now more than halfway complete, with its construction seen finished by July.

“After 11 years of delay, what is dubbed as the most scenic gateway in the country, the Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay, will be completed soon,” the agency said.

The Bicol International Airport resumed construction last year after being put on hold for over a decade, according to the DOTr.

Construction of the runway, taxiway apron, and perimeter fence was completed last year, while development of land-side facilities and passenger terminal building is ongoing.

Once completed, the Bicol International Airport is expected to accommodate two million passengers annually with the new and higher capacity facilities and enhanced safety of airport operation.

The airport will serve as a gateway to Legazpi City in Albay.

With the new international gateway, the DOTr said tourism in Bicol would further improve and help Albay become an economic powerhouse.

Bicol is a popular tourist destination as it serves home to Mount Mayon, which is famous for its near-perfect cone form.

Aboitiz InfraCapital had submitted an unsolicited proposal to the DOTr last year to operate and maintain the airport.

Aboitiz InfraCapital is also part of the consortium of conglomerates seeking to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It has likewise submitted unsolicited proposals for the Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.