PANGLAO, Bohol — The Bohol-Panglao International Airport’s (BPIA) planned capacity upgrade and immediate takeover by Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) are factors seen to boost the local and regional tourism industry and overall economy.
“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. We are proud to support the province’s aspirations through transformative infrastructure ecosystems such as BPIA,” AIC president and chief executive officer Cosette Canilao said.
AIC, as the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, will formally take over BPIA operations in June under a 30-year concession agreement. Upon turnover, BPIA will join the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu and Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental as members of AIC’s growing aviation portfolio.
AIC is set to implement a P4.53-billion investment plan that includes the expansion of BPIA’s passenger terminal building, installation of modern aviation systems, and enhancements to airside and landside facilities.
Within one to two years of takeover, AIC aims to boost BPIA’s current capacity from 2 million to 2.5 million passengers annually, with future expansions pushing capacity to 3.9 million passengers per year by 2030.
“This project reinforces our goal of elevating airport experiences while contributing to local economies. 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’ and deliver unique Boholano hospitality in our service,” AIC vice president and head of airports business Rafael Aboitiz said.
The BPIA modernization is expected to complement Bohol’s economic priorities previously identified by the Bohol Provincial Planning and Development Office (BPPDO), which include sustainable tourism, climate-smart agriculture, and micro-enterprise growth.
