ILOILO — The ongoing upgrade of the Iloilo International Airport passenger terminal building in Cabatuan town has reached 60 percent completion, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced, signaling steady progress in a major infrastructure push aimed at improving passenger capacity, comfort, and efficiency.
CAAP director general Raul del Rosario said the phased rehabilitation works are being implemented without disrupting airport operations, as part of the government’s nationwide airport modernization program under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“The steady progress of the Iloilo International Airport terminal improvements reflects CAAP’s commitment to providing safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airport facilities,” del Rosario said.
Among the completed components are the installation of four escalators, a flight information display system, repairs to the baggage handling system, additional gang chairs and luggage trolleys, and the installation of three new chillers to improve temperature control inside the terminal.
Del Rosario stressed that the upgrades are being carried out by phase to ensure uninterrupted airport services.
“These enhancements are designed to improve the overall travel experience,” he added.
In a separate interview, CAAP–Iloilo terminal supervisor Arthur Parreño said remaining works include the construction of additional comfort rooms at the passenger terminal building, arrival public concourse, and third-floor lobby area, as well as the expansion of the final departure area.
Earlier, CAAP Region 6 announced that the airport’s escalators are now fully operational following testing and inspection led by Acting Area Manager Engr. Diego Eric Abecendario.
“The escalator has undergone proper testing and inspection… to ensure its safety, reliability, and compliance with operational standards,” CAAP Region 6 said in a statement.
The airport rehabilitation is backed by more than P190 million in funding from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2024. Of this amount, P132.9 million is allocated for the rehabilitation and improvement of the Passenger Terminal Building, covering civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing works, and the installation of new equipment such as escalators and elevators. Another P37.55 million funds the supply and installation of three 600-KW chillers.
Currently, the terminal can accommodate 367 domestic and 360 international passengers. Once the ongoing and planned works are completed, capacity is expected to increase to 675 domestic and 407 international passengers, significantly boosting the airport’s service potential.
“These improvements at Iloilo International Airport are part of DOTr and CAAP’s commitment to give a better travel experience for passengers — by ensuring that airports across the country are safe, efficient, and passenger-friendly,” del Rosario said./PN