ILOILO – Runway safety enhancement works have begun at Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo to ensure more efficient operations, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced on Tuesday, August 12.
As such, the airport closes daily from 12 midnight to 4 a.m. This schedule was coordinated with airline operators before implementation to ensure no flights would be affected, CAAP said.
The runway safety enhancement project, which started on August 11, includes runway edge strip and slope correction, as well as embankment works.
It is scheduled for completion within 45 working days.
The project involves the removal of accumulated soil deposits, correction of uneven surfaces within the airside, and filling of low-lying areas to improve drainage and prevent water pooling during heavy rainfall.
These measures are crucial for maintaining runway friction and preventing hydroplaning incidents, CAAP said.
“CAAP extends its sincere appreciation to the flying public for patience and cooperation during the construction period,” it added.
Last June, CAAP confirmed that the Iloilo International Airport development initiatives — carried out in coordination with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) — have officially begun, aligning with the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” infrastructure push.
This signaled the start of the mobilization phase for two key projects worth over P190 million under the DOTr 2024 budget.
The first project, costing P132.90 million, centers on the rehabilitation of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB). This includes civil and structural work, roof and fascia cleaning, tile and ceiling replacement, painting, waterproofing, and improvements to mechanical and electrical systems such as air-conditioning units, lighting, and fire alarms.
Upgrades also cover toilets, windows, escalators, elevators, and the passenger boarding bridge.
The second project, worth P37.55 million, involves the installation and commissioning of three new 600 KW chillers, including all necessary civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical works to ensure reliable temperature control inside the terminal.
CAAP director general Lieutenant General Raul L. Del Rosario (ret) said these improvements at Iloilo 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. (PNA)