First A330 lands in Bohol-Panglao International Airport on November 16, 2025
Panglao, Bohol — Bohol–Panglao International Airport (BPIA) reached a major operational milestone with the successful landing of its first Airbus A330 on November 16, 2025, a 459-seater wide-body aircraft operated by Cebu Pacific on the Manila–Tagbilaran route. This marks the first time a wide-body aircraft of this scale has been deployed to BPIA, showcasing the airport’s upgraded capability to handle larger jets and signaling a significant leap forward for Bohol’s tourism and economic potential.
This new wide-body capability marks a significant milestone for BPIA and the Province of Bohol, enabling airlines to accommodate more passengers per flight, enhance connectivity with major cities, and expand opportunities for additional direct international routes in the future.
This achievement follows months of operational enhancements and compliance upgrades undertaken by Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation (ABAC), the private operator of BPIA, particularly in meeting stringent fire protection and rescue category requirements. ABAC worked closely with regulators to upgrade rescue equipment, expand trained
personnel, and secure the necessary firefighting certifications that enable BPIA to safely accommodate larger aircraft such as the A330. This milestone highlights the cooperation between ABAC, the Provincial Government of Bohol, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
“The Provincial Government of Bohol welcomes Cebu Pacific’s decision to deploy its Airbus A330 for daily flights to and from Bohol,” said Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado. “This move reflects their strong confidence in our province’s tourism potential and growing economy.”
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), a vital partner in enabling BPIA’s capability upgrade, also highlighted the importance of emergency-readiness enhancements. “Ensuring that BPIA meets the safety and rescue requirements for an aircraft of this size is a major accomplishment,” said BFP Bohol Provincial Fire Marshal Fire Superintendent Raul G. Bustaliño, Jr. “Our collaboration with ABAC ensures that passengers, airlines, and the community can rely on the highest standards of safety.”
With the ability to handle wide-body aircraft, BPIA opens the door to larger tourism arrivals, potential new international routes, and greater commercial activity. The increased carrying capacity supports the province’s growing visitor demand and provides airlines with greater operational flexibility during peak seasons.
Aboitiz Operating Airports Chief Operating Officer Terence Delomoney emphasized the significance of this milestone for the airport’s long-term vision. “The arrival of the A330 demonstrates our commitment to elevating BPIA to world-class standards,” said Delomoney. “This capability allows airlines to increase capacity, introduce more direct flights, and ultimately bring more travelers to experience the beauty and culture of Bohol.”
This landmark achievement reinforces Bohol’s trajectory as one of the country’s fastest-rising tourism and investment destinations—ushering in new opportunities for local businesses, communities, and the broader economy.
