ILOILO — Alarmed by the poor state of key airport facilities and the rising volume of passengers, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has committed to fast-tracking long-delayed rehabilitation and expansion works at the Iloilo International Airport — a move local officials say is crucial to preventing operational bottlenecks and lost economic opportunities.
This renewed urgency emerged during a meeting between Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and DOTr acting secretary Giovanni Lopez on November 12 in Mandaluyong City, where Defensor raised concerns not only about stalled expansion works but also about deteriorating access roads and aging airport equipment.
Defensor stressed the airport’s expanding role in Western Visayas’ economy and the pressure posed by surging passenger and cargo traffic.
“The Iloilo Airport continues to play a vital role as a gateway for commerce, tourism, and investments within our region,” he said. “However, the rising numbers of travelers and cargo have made it increasingly clear that we must act now to implement the long-awaited expansion and rehabilitation works.”
Lopez acknowledged the urgency of completing the overdue projects, noting that timely execution could significantly improve connectivity and strengthen the region’s economic performance.
Key upgrades: broken systems to be replaced
The expansion plan includes the rehabilitation and installation of modern escalators and elevators, upgraded comfort room facilities, and new air-conditioning systems to address longstanding complaints from passengers.
Also prioritized is the rehabilitation of the Iloilo Airport North Access Road (Gaub–Tiring–Tabucan Road), which Defensor described as pockmarked with potholes and in dire need of repair. He relayed Cabatuan Mayor Elizalde Pueyo’s request for the road improvement to be included in the 2026 national budget.
Province vows full support
Defensor assured DOTr that the provincial government is ready to clear any local bottlenecks to accelerate implementation.
“Our provincial government is dedicated to inclusive and sustainable development. We stand ready to extend our full support to the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in bringing this critical project to fruition,” he said.
The airport upgrade aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Build Better More” program, which seeks to modernize transportation infrastructure nationwide to draw more investors and boost tourism.
Once completed, the Iloilo International Airport — already one of the busiest in the Visayas — is expected to enhance its role as a regional hub and serve as a key driver of Iloilo’s economic momentum./PN