Cagayan airport starts international flights

CALASIAO, Pangasinan, Philippines — The Cagayan North International Airport (CNIA) has started its commercial and first international flight with local carrier Royal Airlines.

On Sunday, Royal Air flight RJ 100 arrived at the Lal-lo airport from the Macau International Airport with 99 passengers.

Royal Airlines will also have flights to and from Clark every Wednesday and Sunday.

Secretary Raul Lambino, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) administrator and chief executive officer, said a fully operational airport would spur economic growth in the area,“ with more business to grow and bloom.”

Lambino said businessmen and investors would also have convenient access and faster travel to the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport.   

He said CNIA was ready for both domestic and international flights after it was granted accreditation by the International Civil Aviation Organization last year.

He said he expects other airlines to launch international flights at the airport.

While the airport has been operating chartered flights from Macau, Lambino said a development plan included a high-tech facility to meet the growing demand of various clients.

Foreign companies have expressed interest to modernize and provide airport management services to the CNIA.

Raymundo Roquero, CEZA special assistant for investments and promotions, said commercial flights would allow easier and safer travel for tourists who may not only be interested in leisure but also business and investments in Northern Luzon, particularly at the Cagayan freeport.