ANTIQUE — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Antique is pushing for the continued operation of the Manila–Antique–Manila flights at the Evelio B. Javier (EBJ) Antique Airport amid the scheduled phase-out of turboprop aircraft operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The Manila Slot Coordination Committee (MSCC) earlier announced that all turboprop flights at NAIA will be phased out starting March 29, 2026 — a move that could affect the Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights currently servicing Antique’s lone commercial airport.
During its 6th regular session on February 9, the SP discussed and agreed to consolidate two separate resolutions filed by Board Members Ricky Lavega and Karmila Rose Dimamay, both urging concerned national agencies and aviation authorities to reconsider the removal of the PAL route.
Lavega, chair of the SP Committee on Tourism, authored a resolution expressing “grave and urgent concern” over the phase-out of turboprop operations at NAIA Terminal 2 and calling on the MSCC and other aviation authorities to retain the Manila–Antique–Manila route and prevent its cancellation or transfer to other airports.
He warned that suspending the flights could disrupt the province’s economic momentum, noting that the airport — inaugurated only on January 19 — was intended to spur economic development and boost the local tourism industry.
Dimamay, for her part, filed a resolution — co-sponsored by several SP members — urgently requesting the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and airline operators to maintain and expand commercial flight operations at EBJ Airport.
The consolidated resolution will also appeal to the DOTr, as the primary implementing agency, to facilitate the upgrading of airport operations and fast-track the necessary permits that would allow Airbus aircraft and other airlines to operate at the facility.
Lavega expressed hope that, beyond retaining PAL, the DOTr could also encourage additional airlines to serve Antique to foster competition and potentially lower airfares for passengers.
In a separate initiative, Governor Paolo Javier has reached out to PAL management to reconsider the planned suspension of flights and to explore the possibility of deploying Airbus aircraft instead of turboprop planes — a move seen as a way to sustain operations and possibly reduce ticket prices.
Provincial officials underscored that maintaining regular commercial flights is crucial to ensuring connectivity, attracting investments, and sustaining tourism growth in Antique./PN
