The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is investing ₱12.4 billion this year to enhance regional airports and improve inter-island connectivity across the country.
CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo said in a Phil Star Global report that ₱10.6 billion will be allocated for civil works, while ₱1.8 billion will go toward system upgrades. The initiative aims to bolster aviation infrastructure in provincial areas, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for passengers.
Key projects include night-rating upgrades for airports in Cauayan, Isabela, and Dipolog and Pagadian cities. These upgrades will allow evening flights, addressing growing demand. Additionally, CAAP plans to finish work on Bukidnon Airport, enabling it to handle general aviation operations this year, which is expected to boost local trade and travel.
“Our goal is to make Philippine skies safer and avoid accidents and incidents as much as possible,” Tamayo said, emphasizing the importance of enhancing passenger safety and operational capacity.
The Department of Transportation also secured significant funding under the 2025 General Appropriations Act to construct new airports and improve existing ones, with ₱2.3 billion allocated for Tacloban Airport and ₱1.65 billion for Pag-asa Island Airport.
Meanwhile, private sector involvement is helping modernize key airports. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is undergoing a ₱170.6 billion rehabilitation by the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp., aiming to increase its annual passenger capacity to 62 million and improve aircraft movement to 48 per hour. The Aboitiz Group is also managing regional hubs, including Mactan-Cebu, Laguindingan, and Bohol-Panglao International Airports, as part of its expansion into aviation.
