First published in InfraTalks, Aboitiz InfraCapital’s monthly column in The Manila Times.
When was the last time you walked through an airport and thought, this place feels like the start of something big?
For most, airports are where adventure begins — whether it’s a long-awaited vacation, a business trip, or that emotional reunion with family.
But here’s the bigger truth: airports are more than just transit points. They are engines of growth. They connect islands to markets, cities to talent, and communities to the wider world. And in a country like ours, where seas divide us, airports aren’t luxuries — they are lifelines.
Globally, aviation is a powerhouse. According to the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), aviation supports over 40 million jobs and contributes over $1 trillion to the global Gross Domestic Product. In the Philippines, the World Bank highlights air transport as critical for trade, tourism, and regional integration. These insights underscore the pivotal role airports play in shaping economies and societies.
In Visayas and Mindanao, three particular airports hold potential in transforming the region for the better.
Bohol-Panglao International Airport: Gateway to Eco-Tourism
Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA), an Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Airport and currently dubbed the country’s first eco-airport and “Green Gateway to The World,” stands as a testament to what can be achieved with a proper gateway into sustainable tourism.
With its strategic location, BPIA connects travelers to Bohol’s pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. The airport’s development aligns with initiatives like the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environment Protection Project, ensuring that any future growth harmonizes with environmental preservation.
Laguindingan International Airport: Connecting Northern Mindanao
Laguindingan International Airport (LIA), also an AIC airport, serves as a vital link for Northern Mindanao, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people. While certainly also a catalyst for tourism growth, LIA’s strategic position enhances trade and supports local industries. LIA’s growth enables regional development, creating opportunities for businesses and communities alike.
AIC has been at the forefront of transforming these airports into hubs of connectivity and growth, and before BPIA and LIA, AIC had already started with the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
At MCIA (recently named Best Airport in Asia-Pacific for the 5–15 Million Passengers Per Annum Category for 2024 at the Airports Council International World Airport Service Quality Awards), transformative connectivity initiatives like CebConnects, Ceb+, and Ceb Balik have enhanced passenger experiences, expanded route networks, and fostered stronger ties with local communities.
- CebConnects: MCIA’s premier air-to-air transfer service. Strengthens connectivity between regional airports and key destinations, by drastically reducing transfer times between connecting flights, boosting tourism and business opportunities.
- Ceb+: A short air-to-sea transfer service between MCIA and Mactan Wharf. Enhances passenger services, offering a seamless travel experience between local islands, and promoting local culture and products.
- Ceb Balik: An Overseas Filipino Workers Facilitation Kiosk. Encourages balikbayans (returning Filipinos) and OFWs to reconnect with their roots, supporting family families and cultural exchange and transforming MCIA as Visayas-Mindanao’s (VisMin’s) main OFW gateway.
These programs exemplify how airports, especially those in VisMin, can be leveraged as tools for social and economic development.
AeroConnect: Your Gateway to Opportunities
To keep stakeholders informed and engaged, AIC Airports recently launched the AeroConnect travel trade newsletter. This platform provides updates on airport developments, travel tips, and insights into the initiatives shaping the future of VisMin’s aviation landscape. It’s more than just a newsletter; it’s a bridge connecting travelers, businesses, and communities to the opportunities airports bring.
[SIGN UP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/aeroconnect2025 ]
Airports in VisMin are not just about flights; they are about forging connections—between people, cultures, and opportunities. Through strategic initiatives and community engagement, these gateways are propelling the region toward a future of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
As we look ahead, the continued development of these airports promises to unlock even greater potential for VisMin, making it a vibrant hub of commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Subscribe to Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports’ AeroConnect Newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/aeroconnect2025
