A TOTAL of P7.5 billion has been allocated in the 2024 national budget for the modernization and expansion of the country’s aviation hubs in time for the projected full recovery of global air traffic in 2025.
About 22 airports would receive fresh funding under the national government’s 2024 Aviation Transport Infrastructure Program, said Makati City’s Rep. Luis Campos Jr. on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
“The new funding allocations per airport are itemized in the 2024 General Appropriations Law,” Campos said. “All told, Congress has earmarked P7.5 billion this year for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of various airports and navigational facilities, including the procurement of equipment.”
He noted that the country’s main international gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), will receive the bulk of the budget at P1.64 billion for a new Communications, Navigation and Surveillance – Air Traffic Management (CNS-ATM) System.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) have earlier emphasized the need to upgrade the country’s “outdated” air traffic navigation system after the air traffic control glitch that resulted in hundreds of canceled and delayed flights affecting thousands of passengers at NAIA on Jan. 1, 2023.
Campos said a total of P1.5 billion has been allotted for the expansion and development of the airport on Pag-asa Island.
According to him, other airports that would get allocations this year include the Kalibo International Airport at P581 million; Laoag International Airport, P500 million; Bukidnon Airport, P320 million; Puerto Princesa Airport, P300 million; New Zamboanga International Airport, P300 million; Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport, P300 million; Catbalogan Airport, P250 million; Daet Airport, P225 million; and New Manila International Airport, P200 million.
The 2024 budget will also finance the development of the Candon Airport, P200 million; Borongan Airport, P200 million; Iloilo International Airport, P190 million; Tuguegarao Airport, P150 million; Bacon Airport, P100 million; Maasin Airport, P100 million; Tandag Airport, P100 million; Jolo Airport, P100 million; Mati Airport, P100 million; Surigao Airport, P80 million; and Vigan Airport, P70 million.
“Of course, we are also counting on the spending to enhance the overall travel experience of passengers,” Campos said. (PNA)/PN
