The new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of Calbayog Airport in Samar and the upgraded taxiway of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) have begun their operations yesterday.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) yesterday led the inauguration of the two airport projects.
The new PTB of Calbayog Airport, which will complement the Tacloban Airport, can accommodate a total of 450 passengers, increasing the 76-passenger capacity of its old terminal and allowing it to efficiently cater to jet aircraft operations.
The Calbayog Airport Development project covers two phases. Phase 1 includes the construction of a new PTB, apron and taxiway, and a drainage system as well as the site development. Phase 2 involves the runway’s widening, apron expansion, strip grade correction, slope correction, runway safety end area, vehicular parking area and security fence.
Other essential improvements on the airport are the enhanced pre-departure area, restrooms and the improved runway.
Jim Sydiongco, CAAP director general, said to support Samar’s growth, further construction projects at Calbayog Airport such as the construction of administration building, two bay CFR (crash, fire and rescue) with access road, and control tower are also expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the DOTr also inaugurated the new taxiway and administration building of MCIA in Lapu-Lapu City.
With the upgraded taxiway, the DOTr said more aircraft movements will now be facilitated, passenger traffic increases and wide-body aircraft can be accommodated in preparation for future expansions.
The completed project will enable faster aircraft turnaround and allow bigger airplanes.
The new two-storey administration building of CAAP houses several facilities of the agency located within the MCIA complex.
