The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) pushes the improvement and expansion of airports in Mindanao.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said major airport development projects have either been undertaken or are currently being implemented in the South, notably the Butuan and Davao airports.
Apolonio said the expansion of the passenger terminal in Butuan that started on December 6, 2021was completed last on December 16, 2022 at a total cost of P17.6 million.
“With the booming economy in Butuan, the passenger terminal building now has an additional 324 square meters at its ground floor and 108 square meters for its mezzanine floor. This major upgrade is seen to provide travelers with convenience and comfort on the way to one of the country’s highly urbanized cities,” he said.
Apolonio also said part of improvement at the Davao International Airport, included the installation of brand new escalators at the passenger terminal building’s domestic arrival and check-in lobby areas to better accommodate the air travelers.
Meanwhile, after the torrential rains and recent flooding have subsided in Zamboanga City, the Zamboanga International Airport
(ZIA), in coordination with the local government unit and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), conducted clearing operations for accumulated garbage at the creek which flows under ZIA’s runway.
Spearheaded and supervised by CAAP—ZIA Officer-in-Charge Jimmy Santos, the LGU and DPWH deployed a long arm buck hoe after the airport’s operations. A table top planning activity was conducted on the same day to familiarize the working personnel within the vicinity to be cleared of waste.
“The CAAP, through the leadership of Director General Captain Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo, persists to deliver a safe, accessible, comfortable and affordable air transportation sector through taking steps in the creation of reforms and continual improvement of the country’s aviation facilities,” Apolonio said.
