Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, is working with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on a phased handover of facilities, buildings, and land at Laguindingan International Airport in preparation for its official takeover in April 2025.
AIC said in a statement on Tuesday the phased handover process is designed to minimize disruptions while ensuring operational continuity. AIC said it is closely working with local stakeholders to facilitate the transition, implementing strategic planning and coordination measures to support future progress not just for Laguindingan, but also for surrounding areas and Misamis Oriental as a whole.
“We are committed to delivering an efficient and well-managed transition process that paves the way for the modernization of Laguindingan International Airport. Our goal is to enhance the gateway’s infrastructure and services to meet the growing demands of travelers and businesses,” said Cosette Canilao, AIC president and chief executive officer in a statement on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Laguindingan International Airport is the first successful airport public-private partnership project awarded via unsolicited bid under the current administration.
Last October 2024, the Department of Transportation along with CAAP and AIC signed a 30-year concession agreement to develop and modernize Laguindingan International Airport valued at P12.75 billion after the official turnover in April 2025.
At present, the main facilities operating at Laguindingan International Airport — which commenced operations in 2013 — include the 7,184-square meter (sq.m.) passenger terminal building and 350-sq.m.cargo terminal.
Other core facilities include the air traffic control building, car parks, aircraft rescue and firefighting building, administration building, maintenance building, and other utilities infrastructure such as the airport’s power supply system, water supply network, sewerage network, and stormwater drain network.
AIC earlier announced various plans for Laguindingan International Airport, including renovating and expanding the passenger terminal, installing modern equipment, and enhancing airside and landside facilities. These improvements aim to significantly enhance passenger experience, boost operational efficiency, and elevate safety and security standards at the airport.
Expansion plans will be undertaken in two phases, increasing Laguindingan International Airport’s design capacity from the current 1.6 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 3.9 mppa for the first phase and up to 6.3 mppa for the second phase, depending on traffic demand.
