LAGUINDINGAN, Misamis Oriental — Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) is coordinating the phased handover of facilities at Laguindingan International Airport ahead of its official takeover later this month, part of a long-term plan to modernize one of Mindanao’s busiest gateways.
The company, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, signed a P12.75 billion, 30-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in October, last year to develop and operate the airport.
AIC said the transition is designed to ensure operational continuity while minimizing disruptions, as it works closely with local stakeholders.
“We are committed to delivering an efficient and well-managed transition that paves the way for the modernization of Laguindingan International Airport,” said AIC President and CEO Cosette V. Canilao.
Planned upgrades include expanding the 7,184-square-meter passenger terminal, modernizing equipment, and enhancing both airside and landside facilities.
The phased expansion will increase the airport’s design capacity from 1.6 million passengers per year to as much as 6.3 million, depending on demand.
Rafael M. Aboitiz, AIC vice president for airports, said the company envisions Laguindingan as a “world-class gateway” to boost economic activity and connectivity in Mindanao.
This marks the first airport public-private partnership awarded through an unsolicited bid under the current administration. Laguindingan opened in 2013 and is currently the country’s sixth-busiest airport.
AIC is also set to take over operations of Bohol-Panglao International Airport in June, this year, as part of a broader strategy to elevate Philippine aviation infrastructure.
