Aboitiz Wins Bohol-Panglao Airport Deal

Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, is set to expand its airports platform after securing the contract to upgrade, operate, and maintain Bohol-Panglao International Airport in Panglao, Bohol.

The Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines issued the notice of award (NOA) to AIC on Nov. 18, 2024. The concession agreement is expected to be signed by the end of 2024, with the official turnover set for 2025.

This marks AIC’s second successful airport public-private partnership (PPP) project this year, following its win for Laguindingan International Airport. The addition of Bohol-Panglao to its portfolio strengthens AIC’s position as a key player in Philippine aviation and expands its reach in the Visayas, where the Aboitiz Group originated.

The Bohol-Panglao International Airport project is AIC’s third airport concession, joining the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Laguindingan International Airport, which AIC will formally take over by April 2025.

“Our commitment to modernizing Bohol-Panglao International Airport underscores our vision of creating world-class infrastructure that drives progress in key growth areas of the Philippines,” said AIC President and CEO Cosette V. Canilao.

“This project is not just about upgrading facilities but also about boosting economic opportunities, enhancing tourism, and improving connectivity in the Visayas region,” she added.

The PHP 4.53 billion project will involve expanding the passenger terminal, upgrading airside and landside facilities, and installing essential equipment over a 30-year concession period.

AIC plans to increase the airport’s capacity to 2.5 million passengers annually within one to two years of taking over operations, up from its current capacity of 2 million passengers. Further expansions, targeted for completion by 2030, will boost capacity to 3.9 million passengers annually.

These investments aim to enhance passenger experiences, improve operational efficiency, and elevate safety and security standards, aligning with AIC’s goal of developing globally competitive airports that showcase the Philippines.

Bohol-Panglao International Airport is the country’s ninth-busiest gateway and serves as a critical hub for one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations.

“Bohol-Panglao International Airport is a fast-growing gateway to one of the country’s most iconic tourism destinations,” said AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Business Rafael Aboitiz.

“Through this project, we aim to bring the same level of excellence and innovation demonstrated at Mactan-Cebu International Airport,” he added.

AIC Airports currently manages Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country’s second-busiest gateway, which features a Terminal 2 rated 4 stars by global aviation consultancy Skytrax. With the inclusion of Laguindingan and Bohol-Panglao airports, AIC is poised to drive sustainable growth in the Philippine aviation sector while enhancing connectivity nationwide.