-
Aboitiz InfraCapital is set to take over Bohol-Panglao International Airport in June with a P4.53-billion investment plan
-
The investment will expand the hub’s passenger terminal building, install modern aviation systems, and enhance airside and landside facilities
-
AIC aims to boost BPIA’s current capacity from two million to 2.5 million passengers annually within one to two years of takeover
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) is set to take over Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) in June with a P4.53-billion investment that will expand the hub’s passenger terminal building, install modern aviation systems, and enhance airside and landside facilities.
AIC aims to boost BPIA’s current capacity from 2 million to 2.5 million passengers annually within one to two years of takeover. By 2030, annual passenger capacity is expected to reach 3.9 million, the infrastructure arm of Aboitiz Group said in a statement.
AIC in November 2024 bagged the 30-year concession to upgrade, operate, and maintain BPIA.
AIC said the modernization of BPIA will complement Bohol’s economic priorities previously identified by the Bohol Provincial Planning and Development Office, which include sustainable tourism, climate-smart agriculture, and micro-enterprise growth.
Following a 6.6% gross domestic product growth in 2023 — outpacing the national average of 5.5% — AIC said Bohol continues to show strong economic momentum across all sectors, particularly in tourism-related services such as transportation, accommodation, and food services, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in December 2024.
According to the PSA report, Bohol’s transportation and storage sector grew by 20.4% in 2023, while accommodation and food services surged by 27.9%, underscoring the province’s readiness for increased tourist arrivals and business activity.
Given these strong achievements, AIC said the upcoming enhancements to BPIA, currently the country’s ninth-busiest gateway, are expected to be timely and strategic.
“This project reinforces our goal of elevating airport experiences while contributing to local economies. We look forward to bringing our proven track record at MCIA to Bohol and working with stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the province’s ‘Green Gateway to the World’ and deliver unique Boholano hospitality in our service,” said AIC vice president and head of airports business Rafael M. Aboitiz.
Moving forward, BPIA’s transformation is expected to serve as a critical enabler of growth for Bohol and Central Visayas.
Aside from BPIA, AIC last April also took over Laguindingan International Airport after winning the P12.748 billion 30-year contract last year. AIC also operates Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu.
