KALIBO, Aklan – After more than a two-year gap due to pandemic-induced lockdowns, the Kalibo International Airport will finally open its doors to international flights from neighboring countries.
This would allow tourists and businessmen to fly directly to the popular beach destination of Boracay Island through its main gateway in the capital town of Kalibo.
In February, the national government further relaxed travel restrictions, allowing foreigners to enter the country without the need to quarantine upon arrival.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Kalibo manager Engineer Eusebio Monserate Jr. said the long-awaited international flights are set to resume this June from South Korea.
Two airlines will once again resume regional flights on June 17 and June 22 from Incheon, South Korea to Kalibo, Aklan, becoming the first South Korean low-cost carriers to provide direct flights to Kalibo in the middle of the pandemic.
Air Seoul and T’way Air will fly two times weekly from Incheon International Airport to Kalibo International Airport.
Other airline companies from Indonesia, mainland China and South Korea have also announced plans to restart flights in the future in close coordination with CAAP but this will depend on factors like the government protocols of their returning passengers from point of origin.
Personnel of Bureau of Quarantine, Bureau of Customs, Aviation Security Group and the Bureau of Immigration are also ready for the influx of arriving and departing passengers in Kalibo International Airport.
“Expected natin once na mag-restart ang international flights, other airline companies will follow,” Monserate said.
Before the pandemic hit, the airport was handling around 30 regional flights and 10 domestic flights every day on an average.
Kalibo International Airport currently offers passenger service to Manila by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines, seven times daily./PN
