MANILA, Philippines — The private operator of the Clark International Airport is prepared to accommodate more flights as a result of the impending transfer of turboprops from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp. yesterday said it is ready to welcome all island flights to be pushed out of NAIA by the end of the first quarter.
LIPAD president and CEO Noel Manankil said Clark International Airport has the capacity to facilitate more passengers once airlines relocate their island routes..
“We are aware of ongoing discussions to transfer turboprop flights out of NAIA. Clark patiently waits for and will graciously welcome these flights, as it will allow us to serve more passengers,” Manankil said.
Moreover, Manankil reminded travelers to consider the advantages of flying out of Clark, as the airport is able to reach international destinations as far as the Middle East. Several of the foreign airlines operating in the airport also offer connecting flights, particularly to the United States.
In exchange, Manankil said Clark can transport inbound visitors to island destinations reached by turboprops, some of which are famous in the global scene like Coron and Siargao.
Based on records from LIPAD, Clark grew its passenger traffic by a fifth to 2.4 million last year, with 65 percent accounted for by international travelers.
“Clark also has the capacity to connect international travelers to our famed island destinations, as our transfer facility is housed in the same terminal,” Manankil said.
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific offers the widest flight coverage at the Clark International Airport. From the hub, the airline reaches seven domestic destinations and four foreign cities.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines operates its niche service to Basco in Clark, forcing travelers to book from the airport when headed to Batanes. The gateway also harbors multiple options when visiting South Korea thanks to Korean carriers Aero K, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air and Jin Air.
Even though passenger traffic is going up, the Clark International Airport is far from touching its maximum capacity of eight million travelers per year.