The Department of Transportation together with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) yesterday formally inaugurated the upgraded Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of Catarman Airport in Northern Samar.
The airport PTB’s capacity has been tripled to 150 passengers at any given time or around 50,000 passengers annually. This significant capacity increase aims to help the projected 250,000 tourists and travelers coming within the region, as well as travelers from outside and nearby regions using different ports of entries once quarantine restrictions are relaxed.
Upgrades in the Catarman Airport include a new perimeter fence, a re-blocked apron pavement, and asphalt overlay and shoulder grade correction at the runway. Added improvements include the construction of a fire station building, a powerhouse, and a flight service station.
The added renovation works were completed in August, ahead of its target completion date.
With these improvements and developments, enhanced connectivity and mobility, as well as comfortable and convenient air travel will now be experienced in the capital. The project is also envisaged to further enrich tourism and socio-economic endeavors in the area.
In addition, the airport can now accommodate two (turboprop Q-400 aircraft, and is slated to revamp its handling of commercial flights in Catarman, and in the whole province.
CAAP director-general Capt. Jim Sydiongco underscored the advantage of sound cooperation among government agencies and local government units to realize development projects that will boost enhanced mobility and connectivity in the country.
