Boracay’s main gateway is set for a major upgrade. Construction on a new passenger terminal building at Caticlan Airport is slated to begin this June or July, according to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon. The project, spearheaded by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) affiliate Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., promises a significant boost to the island’s tourism industry.
Dizon, speaking at the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines Infrastructure Forum, confirmed SMC’s commitment to complete the project before the end of President Marcos’s term in 2028. Megawide Construction Corp. has already been awarded the contract to design and build the new terminal, a move expected to dramatically improve the passenger experience at the country’s first privatized airport.
Originally scheduled for a 2024 start with a three-year completion timeline, the project faced delays. However, with groundbreaking imminent, the enhanced facility is poised to alleviate congestion and improve the overall travel experience for the millions of tourists who flock to Boracay annually.
This development is part of a broader government initiative to enhance the country’s airport infrastructure. The Department of Transportation aims to privatize ten more regional airports by 2028 through public-private partnerships, including key destinations such as Iloilo, Davao, Siargao, and Puerto Princesa. To attract investors, the government is considering bundling multiple airports into single contracts. The Villar group has already submitted an unsolicited proposal for Iloilo Airport, signaling early progress on this ambitious plan.
The upgrades are expected to significantly boost tourism nationwide, particularly in island destinations heavily reliant on air travel. The modernized Caticlan Airport, in particular, will play a crucial role in ensuring Boracay remains a premier tourist destination in the Philippines.
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