Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to allocate P200 million to P300 million to relocate National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) transmission lines obstructing the Bicol International Airport.
The move follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to maximize the facility’s operations to accommodate international flights and stimulate the Bicol region’s tourism industry.
While the airport features a 2,500-meter runway, only 1,900 to 2,000 meters are currently utilized because the power lines create a safety obstruction.
Lopez said the current limitations impact ticket prices and that optimizing the full runway length will allow for larger jet operations. He said funding remains the primary hurdle but expressed hope that the CAAP can set aside the necessary capital to lower the lines within the year.
Under a memorandum of agreement, the Department of Transportation, CAAP and NGCP have agreed to resolve the obstruction. Once the lines are moved, the airport will be able to handle larger aircraft and direct international arrivals.
