Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure division of the Aboitiz Group, has commenced coordinating the phased handover of facilities and land at Laguindingan International Airport (CGY). This preparation phase precedes AIC’s official takeover scheduled for April 2025.
The move is part of a P12.75 billion, 30-year concession agreement signed last October 2024 between AIC, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). This agreement marks Laguindingan as the first airport public-private partnership project awarded via an unsolicited proposal under the current administration.
Laguindingan Airport, currently the Philippines’ sixth-busiest and Mindanao’s second-busiest gateway, plays a crucial role in the region’s connectivity and economic activity. AIC aims to enhance and modernize the airport to meet growing demand and support regional development.
“We are committed to delivering an efficient and well-managed transition process that paves the way for the modernization of Laguindingan International Airport,” stated AIC President and CEO Cosette V. Canilao. She added their goal is to improve infrastructure and services for travelers and businesses.
AIC Vice President for Airports Business, Rafael M. Aboitiz, emphasized the vision for the airport: “Our vision for Laguindingan International Airport is to create a world-class gateway that will drive economic progress and connectivity for Mindanao.”
The phased handover from CAAP to AIC aims to ensure operational continuity with minimal disruption. AIC is collaborating with local stakeholders throughout this process.
AIC plans significant upgrades, including renovating and expanding the passenger terminal, installing modern equipment, and enhancing both airside and landside facilities. These improvements target enhanced passenger experience, operational efficiency, and safety standards.
Expansion efforts will occur in two phases, aiming to increase the airport’s design capacity from the current 1.6 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 3.9 mppa initially, and eventually up to 6.3 mppa based on traffic growth.
AIC brings experience from operating the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). The company is also set to take over the operations and maintenance of Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) in June 2025 under a separate 30-year concession.
These airport projects are central to AIC’s strategy of developing key infrastructure assets that enhance travel, connectivity, and showcase Filipino hospitality across the Philippines.
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