Expanding Iloilo Airport is Good, Comfy Business

The recent announcement by an airline to resume direct international flights from Iloilo to Hong Kong and Singapore is a welcome development for Western Visayas.

After a four-year hiatus, this move is not just a symbol of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic but a clarion call for the urgent expansion and upgrading of Iloilo International Airport.

The return of international flights is a critical milestone. However, the current state of the airport, especially its poor facilities like an inadequate air-conditioning system, poses a significant challenge.

The comfort of passengers is paramount, and the current conditions are far from ideal. Expanding and upgrading the airport facilities will not only improve the passenger experience but also serve as a strategic move to attract more airlines and destinations.

The data from the recent analysis of passenger volumes at Iloilo International Airport by Iloilo-based think tank Institute of Contemporary Economics (ICE) underscores the urgency for expansion.

In 2022, the airport saw a substantial rebound in passenger volumes, with a 399.5% year-on-year increase from the pandemic-hit years. This growth trend continued in 2023, with a 32.9% increase, indicating a robust recovery and a significant demand for air travel.

Domestic passenger volumes, which have consistently been high, also highlight the airport’s capacity challenges.

In 2023, domestic volumes reached 2.27 million, a clear indication that the existing infrastructure is under strain​. The projected growth in passenger numbers demands a corresponding increase in airport capacity and facilities.

Expanding Iloilo International Airport goes beyond passenger comfort. It has profound economic and strategic implications.

Iloilo is a gateway to the Western Visayas, and improved airport facilities will enhance the region’s appeal as a travel and business hub.

The potential economic benefits are immense, according to the ICE analysis.

Assuming an average ticket price of P10,000 per passenger, Iloilo represents an P800 million market for international flights​. This market can be further tapped with improved facilities and more flight options.

Furthermore, an expanded airport can better serve Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who travel to Hong Kong and Singapore for work or as transfer points to other destinations.

Local officials have been advocating for these new flights, emphasizing the demand from our OFWs. Their convenience and safety should be a priority, and a modernized airport will significantly enhance their travel experience.

The national government and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) must prioritize the expansion and rehabilitation of Iloilo International Airport. The proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, pegged at P14.7 billion, is a step in the right direction.

Key components of the project include expanding the passenger terminal building, constructing an adjacent apron, and installing necessary equipment to meet international standards.

These upgrades will not only improve current operations but also position Iloilo as a competitive international airport capable of handling increased traffic and larger aircraft.

The resumption of international flights to and from Iloilo is a significant step forward, but it must be complemented by immediate and comprehensive expansion and upgrading efforts.

Iloilo International Airport is a vital infrastructure that serves not only the city but the entire region of Western Visayas.

The airport’s capacity to accommodate growing passenger numbers and the demand for more destinations hinges on these upgrades.