Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA), currently the country’s ninth-busiest gateway, is set for a significant upgrade as Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) prepares to formally take over its operations in June 2025. This move is expected to considerably boost Bohol’s economic momentum, leveraging its strong growth trajectory.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in December 2024, Bohol’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 6.6% in 2023, surpassing the national average of 5.5%. This growth was particularly strong in tourism-related services, including transportation, accommodation, and food services, highlighting the province’s readiness for increased visitor arrivals.
Under a 30-year concession agreement, AIC, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, will integrate BPIA into its expanding aviation portfolio. This portfolio already includes the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) in Misamis Oriental.
AIC has committed a substantial ₱4.53-billion investment plan for BPIA. This investment will fund the expansion of the passenger terminal building, installation of modern aviation systems, and crucial enhancements to both airside and landside facilities.
The immediate goal is to increase BPIA’s annual passenger capacity from 2 million to 2.5 million within one to two years of takeover. Further future expansions are planned to push the airport’s capacity to an impressive 3.9 million passengers per year by 2030, accommodating a significant surge in tourism and business activity.
Cosette V. Canilao, AIC President and CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of this project. “The modernization of BPIA is not just about upgrading infrastructure—it’s about enabling the continued rise of Bohol as a vibrant tourism and economic hub in the Visayas,” she stated.
The upgrades align perfectly with Bohol’s economic priorities, which include sustainable tourism, climate-smart agriculture, and micro-enterprise growth, as identified by the Bohol Provincial Planning and Development Office. The PSA reported a 20.4% growth in Bohol’s transportation and storage sector and a 27.9% surge in accommodation and food services in 2023, underscoring the province’s potential.
Rafael M. Aboitiz, AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Business, expressed enthusiasm for bringing their expertise to Bohol. “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’,” he said.
This transformation of BPIA is expected to be a critical enabler of growth not only for Bohol but for the entire Central Visayas region. It forms part of AIC’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity and deliver top-notch Filipino hospitality across key gateways in the Philippines.
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