THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP will reopen the Loakan (Baguio) Airport and Borongan Airport for commercial flights.
The opening of the two airports is expected to boost tourism and the economy in Baguio City and Samar province.
Loakan Airport in Baguio City, Benguet is now ready for operations, with PAL launching its Cebu-Baguio flights today, December 16.
The airport will continue to undergo future renovations and upgrades, including the extension of its runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
The re-opening of the Baguio Airport is expected to boost the local economy by increasing tourism in the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” through the provision of more transportation options for residents and visitors.
According to CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo, the opening of Loakan Airport is a major milestone for the city. It will improve connectivity and accessibility, which will in turn drive economic growth and development in the area.
Meanwhile, Borongan Airport in Eastern Samar has also been undergoing renovations and upgrades for the past few years. The improvements include a renovated terminal building and future runway expansion.
Borongan Airport is now capable of handling turboprop and small jet aircraft, allowing for direct flights from Manila to Borongan.
The PAL Manila-Cebu-Borongan and vice versa route will have its maiden flight on Monday. The flights will be every Monday and Friday.
“The opening of Borongan Airport will greatly benefit the people of Eastern Samar by providing them with easier and more direct access to the rest of the country. It will also open up opportunities for trade and tourism in the area such as in the city’s unexplored and booming surfing sites.,” Tamayo said.
CAAP expressed confidence that the re-opening of these airports to commercial operations will not only provide more transportation options and opportunities for trade and tourism but is also a step towards CAAP and Department of Transportation’s goal of providing a more affordable, reliable, comfortable, and convenient air transportation system for the Philippines.
