Aboitiz gears up for take over of Laguindingan airport
Laguindingan International Airport’s new and expanded passenger terminal building, featuring the airport’s iconic three-dimensional outdoor signage. Photo courtesy of Aboitiz InfraCapital
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) is now coordinating the phased handover of facilities at Laguindingan International Airport ahead of its official takeover later this April, part of a long-term plan to modernize one of Mindanao’s busiest gateways.
AIC, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, signed a P12.75-billion, 30-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in October 2024 to develop and operate the airport.
In a statement, AIC said they are working closely with local stakeholders to ensure minimal disruptions to the airport’s operations owing to the management transition. It added that they would always uphold operational continuity during the transition phase.
“We are committed to delivering an efficient and well-managed transition that paves the way for the modernization of Laguindingan International Airport,” said AIC president and CEO Cosette V. Canilao.
Planned upgrades include expanding the 7,184-square-meter passenger terminal, modernizing the airport’s equipment, and enhancing airside and landside facilities.
Check-in counters at Laguindingan International Airport, the country’s sixth-busiest airport and an Aboitiz InfraCapital airport beginning April 2025. Photo courtesy of Aboitiz InfraCapital
The phased expansion will increase the airport’s design capacity from 1.6 million passengers per year to 6.3 million, depending on demand.
Rafael M. Aboitiz, AIC vice president for airports, said the company envisions Laguindingan as a “world-class gateway” to boost economic activity and connectivity in Mindanao.
The contract for Laguindingan airport marks the first public-private partnership awarded through an unsolicited bid under the current administration. Laguindingan opened in 2013 and is the country’s sixth-busiest airport.
The airport’s increased capacity, especially its ability to cater to international flights, is expected to drive the strong growth of tourism in Northern Mindanao, deepening the competitive position of Cagayan de Oro City as a key destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions or MICE events.
AIC is also set to take over operations of Bohol-Panglao International Airport in June this year, as part of a broader strategy to elevate the quality of aviation infrastructure in the country.
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