Cagayan to have int’l airport

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Commercial flights are being readied at the newly constructed international airport in Cagayan province, whose operation is expected to accelerate economic and tourism development in northeast Luzon.

This came after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) approved the application of Cagayan North International Airport for P1.67 billion to finance its commercial operation following a series of test runs and inspections of its facilities.

One of the airport’s major proponents, Julian Gonzales, officer-in-charge of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), said they received the clearance to operate from CAAP last Oct. 9.

CAAP is the only government agency mandated to issue permit or clearance for commercial and private operations of airports and implementing policies on civil aviation to ensure safe, economic and efficient air travel.

“Actually, we are expecting the arrival of a chartered plane and its departure for Manila today. This will be the airport’s first official commercial flight. The plane is owned and operated by the Helitrend Airline Corp.,” he said.

Located in Cagayan’s northern Lallo town, the airport is a joint venture between CEZA and a private sector through 48-52 sharing scheme, respectively.

Initially serving domestic flights, CEZA said the 150-hectare airport could now accommodate direct international flights from Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore and Korea.

“Its 2.1-kilometer and 45-meter wide runway can accommodate up to the capacity of Airbus 320 aircraft,” said Nilo Aldeguer, CEZA senior deputy administrator.

The construction of the international airport is in line with CEZA’s mandate of transforming Cagayan, as well as northeast Luzon, into one of the country’s economic, tourism and logistic hubs.

CEZA, created in 1995 through Republic Act 7922, is a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Office of the President. It has been tasked to manage and supervise the development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport.

CEZA said the presence of the airport would not only make Cagayan’s economy stronger and sustainable but also throughout Cagayan Valley, especially since the region is considered one of the country’s food baskets.