BY GLENDA TAYONA
AKLAN – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here expressed objection to the proposed opening of international flights at the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (GPRA) in Caticlan, Malay town.
During its Dec. 13, 2022 special session, the legislative body through Resolution No. 2022-289 stressed that the opening of international flights at the GPRA will not only exacerbate the already congested condition of the smaller airport and deprive the national government of much needed revenues to recoup what it has already spent for the province other airport – Kalibo International Airport (KIA) – but more importantly, it will have serious adverse repercussions to Aklan’s economy by depriving businesses, including hotels, transport services, restaurants, and other tourists oriented and dependent establishments and workers, relying on both domestic and international passengers at KIA of their source of income.
“The opening of international flights at the GPRA will likewise derail the attainment of the provincial government of Aklan’s long-term plan for the holistic, balanced and inclusive growth of its local economy by strengthening the economic activities and the development of tourism within mainland Aklan,” the SP resolution stressed.
KIA has been, and still is, the main gateway for tourists into the province of Aklan catering to both domestic and international flights, whilst the GPRA services domestic flights.
As of Nov. 30, 2022, the GPRA has already recorded an annual total of 925,741 passenger arrivals through its 36 daily domestic flights while the much bigger KIA has only recorded a total of 239,824 domestic passenger arrivals and 40,862 international passenger arrivals, out of its eight domestic and two international flights daily.
The national government, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in coordination with the provincial government of Aklan, has spent, and continues to spend, billions of pesos expanding and upgrading the facilities and safety features of KIA to international standards.
KIA is a night rated airport and capable of 24 hours operation. (With a report from Richie D. Oloroso)/PN
