caticlan Airport Passenger Terminal Groundbreaking Marks Major Boost for Philippine Tourism

MANILA – Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the crucial role of the newly commenced Caticlan airport passenger terminal in bolstering the Philippines’ tourism sector and overall economy.

Speaking at a Malacañang press conference, Dizon highlighted that the new terminal, a project long-awaited as 2009, will substantially enhance the tourist experience with its upgraded check-in counters, state-of-the-art security screening, and improved boarding gates.

“magagawa na ang bagong terminal (the new terminal will be built) despite all of the challenges over the past more than 10 years,” Dizon stated, underscoring the project’s perseverance.

The expansive two-story terminal will cover 36,470 square meters and will be equipped with six passenger boarding bridges and 36 check-in counters.

Upon completion, the facility is projected to handle up to 3,000 passengers concurrently, with an anticipated annual capacity of 7 million travelers.

Dizon attributed the project’s recent momentum to robust public-private partnerships, specifically mentioning the contributions of San Miguel Corporation and Megawide Construction Corporation.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officiated the groundbreaking and time capsule laying ceremony for the new Caticlan Passenger Terminal Building at Caticlan Airport in Aklan on Monday.

The design-and-build contract for the terminal was awarded in 2024 to Megawide Construction Corporation. The facility is owned and operated by Trans Aire Advancement Holdings Corp. (TADHC), a subsidiary of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) Infrastructure.

The Caticlan Airport serves as the primary gateway to Boracay Island, a world-renowned Philippine beach destination, making this terminal upgrade vital for the nation’s tourism appeal.