Bicol airport to host international flights by December

THE VIEW Passengers on their way to board planes at Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay, are treated to a scenic view of Mt. Mayon in this photo taken on Feb. 4, 2024. —Michael B. Jaucian

DARAGA, ALBAY, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced that international flights at Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Alobo village here were expected to start before the year ends.

In a press conference at BIA on Friday, Dizon said that progress was being made to welcome international flights into BIA by December. He said they will work with the Civil Aeronautics Board to convince airlines to begin international operations.

“We are trying hard to have this airport operated through a public-private partnership (PPP), which is included in the Airport Bundles Project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Caap (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), and the Asian Development Bank. What we want to do is speed up and make our regional airports more attractive for PPPs by grouping them together—and Bicol is a major airport,” he explained.

Dizon said that in his nearly three months as DOTr secretary, BIA was the best regional airport he has seen in the country so far.

“I came here not just to see and inspect the airport, but our immediate concern and effort now must be to open this airport to international flights,” he said.

READ: New Bicol International Airport opens after 11-year construction

He noted that with more than 2 million passengers per year, BIA is already considered a major regional hub.

Expansion plan

BIA, which is regarded as the “most scenic gateway” due to its proximity to Mt. Mayon, currently only handles domestic flights.

According to Dizon, he has committed to all the leaders in the Bicol Region that the “DOTr will work doubly hard and collaborate with a top-notch global operator to run this airport and bring international flights to promote tourism and attract investment.”

He said President Marcos has ordered him “to fast-track the expansion of infrastructure projects, many of which have faced delays.”

“This includes airports, seaports, and the revival and modernization of the Bicol Express and South Long Haul railways, which we are currently seeking funding for,” Dizon added.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, in the same press conference, revealed plans were underway to introduce international routes, with Hong Kong, Thailand, and Singapore as potential initial destinations.

“This is part of the Bicol Regional Tourism Development Plan, which aims to position the region as a premier international destination and it would also create a lot of employment and opportunities for the people of Albay,” he said. /cb/abc