High priority ‘Build Build Build’ airport projects to boost aviation industry
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has 28 airport projects slated for construction, rehabilitation, or upgrade. These projects include three international airports — Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, and Lal-Lo.
Moreover, four domestic airport projects — including Calbayog, Naga, Ozamis, and Tuguegarao — have already been completed. Meanwhile, the expansion project for the Clark International Airport is due to be finished on June 2020.
Upgrading the Philippine aviation industry
These airport projects are expected to uplift the country’s aviation industry and ensure greater regional accessibility. Of course, these improvements can also lead to a sustained economic growth and generate more quality jobs for Filipinos.
Equipping airport with night-rating capabilities is one of most important sub-projects as this enables airports to accommodate evening flights and increase daily service capacity. As of October this year, 20 out of the 42 existing airports all over the country have been night-rated.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is also up for rehabilitation. This four-year project includes the expansion and improvement of terminals as well as the construction of additional taxiways, passenger terminals, runways, and other support infrastructure.
The rehabilitation of NAIA is estimated at P101 billion, and will be funded through unsolicited proposal, subject to Swiss challenge. The project is expected to benefit 65 million passengers every year.
