Last April, we reported that the Bicol International Airport is almost ready with an 80% completion rate. 5 months later, the P5-billion airport in Daraga, Albay is getting ready to take its first domestic flight on October 6 and its first international flight next month.
“The first domestic day flight is on October 6 but there will be (no ceremonies) and the first domestic night flight will be on November,”Albay Representative Joey Salceda told the Inquirer in a message.
On his official Facebook account, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade also confirmed that the Bicol International Airport is almost complete.
“It (BIA) went through three groundbreaking ceremonies prior to this (Duterte) administration. Now, construction of the Bicol International Airport is almost complete!” Tugade said.
“Pinagdudahan ako rito kaya I took it as a personal challenge. Construction works for Bicol Airport BIA were delayed for 11 years,” he further added.
As of Oct. 3, 2021, the overall progress rate of the BIA was at 92.56 percent, with 97.28 percent of its passenger terminal building completed. Its runway extension is 79.27 percent finished; Administration Building at 98.93 percent; Air Traffic Control Building at 98.65 percent; Crash Fire Rescue Building at 98.40 percent; Cargo Terminal Building at 98.59 percent and Power House Building at 98.69 percent. The airport’s passenger boarding bridge will be positioned on October 5, with domestic operations starting on Oct. 6.
“We are happy to announce that the BIA will be ready to serve domestic air passengers, as promised,” announced Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Chief of Staff and Airport Projects Team Head Danjun Lucas.
As a country very well known for tourism, the Philippines gains a lot for the economy through travelers coming to visit, which is why it is of great importance that we have the facilities needed to keep tourists coming.
The airport is poised to become the country’s “most scenic gateway” with an unhindered view of the Mayon volcano. Once completed, it is expected to accommodate around 2 million passengers per year.
The Bicol International Airport (BIA) is one of the flagship projects under the “BUILD, BUILD, BUILD” Infrastructure Program of the Duterte Administration.
