DOTr: New Antique Airport to Open by July 2025

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A modern gateway to Antique is set to open by mid-July 2025, as the redevelopment and modernization of the new Antique Airport near completion.

Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon made the announcement during his visit to the province last week.

“We are committing to you, latest mid-July. Residents here in Antique can already use this brand-new terminal,” Dizon said.

He also said he plans to invite the president to attend the airport’s inauguration.

Redevelopment of the Antique Airport began in 2016, when its runway measured only 1,200 meters.

By 2018, the runway was extended to 1,400 meters to accommodate 80-seater propeller aircraft.

A further extension in 2023 brought the runway length to 1,700 meters.

Dizon said approximately PHP1.6 billion to PHP1.7 billion has already been spent on the project.

Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, the airport secured PHP125 million to complete the terminal and extend the runway to 1,800 meters.

Dizon disclosed that plans are underway to expand the runway further to accommodate larger jets, with completion targeted by 2026 or 2027.

“We’ve also committed to further expand the runway so that, instead of only small airplanes landing here, we can boost tourism and travel,” he said.

“We will expand the runway to allow larger jets to land here as well,” he added.

An additional PHP500 million is being requested for 2026 to fund further runway expansion and equipment upgrades, including night landing capabilities.

Dizon praised Senator Loren Legarda for her persistence in securing funding and advancing the airport project during her term as Antique’s lone district representative.

“In my limited two months as DOTr secretary, this is the most beautiful and most modern-designed terminal I’ve seen among all the airports I’ve visited,” he said.

Meanwhile, Legarda addressed criticism over alleged kickbacks, emphasizing that her role was solely to secure funding.

She clarified that the Department of Transportation, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Philippine Ports Authority are responsible for implementing the project.

“The needed PHP500 million was assured to be included in the 2026 budget,” Legarda said.

“If it gets removed during the budget process, I assure you we will restore or reinstate it in the Senate,” she added.

Dizon also revealed plans to improve the San Jose de Buenavista Port and study the possibility of building a new port in Culasi to boost cargo and passenger movement, especially from Mindoro.