CHECK-IN FIX: DOTr eases airport screening at Iloilo Airport

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Gerome Dalipe IV

Passengers at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town can soon expect a smoother check-in process following the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) directive to remove the initial security screening checkpoint.

DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to dismantle the redundant screening within 15 days and submit an action plan for implementation.

Lopez made the announcement during an inspection at the airport on Saturday, calling the checkpoint “redundant” and a major cause of congestion at the terminal.

“This needs to be removed because the process is redundant. That is also the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — to provide more space for passengers so they won’t be cramped during check-in,” Lopez said.

He emphasized that a final security check will still be conducted before boarding gates to ensure the safety of all passengers.

The directive aligns with Marcos’ push to enhance passenger experience at airports by creating larger, less crowded spaces.

A similar measure was implemented at Siargao Airport in March 2025 under then-DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon.

Lopez also ordered Iloilo Airport management to finalize plans for expanding the passenger terminal building and to expedite the rollout of automated check-in with facial recognition technology to ease peak-hour congestion.

“Our commitment to modernize our regional airports is continuous. Our passengers deserve the best travel experience, and we will ensure that,” he said.

He also directed CAAP to prioritize runway upgrades that would allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and increase international passenger capacity.

According to CAAP’s Aerodrome Development and Management Service, a PHP 707-million upgrade is planned for the Iloilo Airport.

Of this amount, PHP 250 million is allocated in the 2026 budget for terminal expansion, which aims to raise seating capacity to 1,085 domestic and 515 international passengers by 2027.

Other upgrades include new seating, pushcarts, escalators, elevators, and chillers.

Runway rehabilitation, with a total cost of PHP 507 million, will be carried out in two phases: the first scheduled for completion in December 2025, and the second by the third quarter of 2026.

Lopez also issued a separate order in response to flight cancellations caused by Typhoon Opong.

He instructed the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and all airlines to provide full refunds — with no rebooking or additional fees — to affected passengers.

“There should be no rebooking fees and other fees must be waived, and if a passenger chooses a refund, it must be a full refund,” Lopez said.

He also directed airport and port authorities to keep facilities open as temporary shelters and ensure that stranded passengers are provided with food and water.

A no-sail policy has been implemented at designated ports by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Passengers should expect adjustments in terminal layout and the introduction of new technology in the coming months as the airport transitions to meet Lopez’s directives.

Airport management has been given two weeks to present a detailed implementation plan.