Tugade inaugurates upgraded Catarman airport

CATARMAN, Philippines — In a bid to accommodate increasing air transport demand in Northern Samar, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) have completed development projects at the Catarman Airport.

DOTr Secretary Art Tugade led the inauguration of the upgraded airport yesterday, which was also attended by CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco and several local government officials.

The completed development projects consist of the construction of a passenger terminal building, expansion of the airport’s apron, construction of additional taxiway and a perimeter fence, reblocking of the dilapidated apron pavement, asphalt overlay and shoulder grade correction at the runway.

Aside from providing comfort and convenience to air travelers, Catarman Airport serves as an alternate gateway in case of emergencies and calamities.

In 2013, when Tacloban Airport was damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda, Catarman Airport was used to augment and facilitate the transport of relief goods, medicine and other commodities.

Rehabilitation works at the Catarman Airport started after it was damaged by Typhoon Nona in 2015.

From the previous 50, the airport’s passenger terminal building can now accommodate 150 at any given time and 50,000 passengers annually.

The airport can accommodate two turboprop Q-400 aircraft and is expected to improve the handling of commercial flights in Catarman and the entire Northern Samar.