Iloilo airport runway shutdown disrupts flights

MANILA, Philippines — The Iloilo International Airport yesterday resumed normal operations following the closure of its runway that resulted in flight interruptions for at least 1,300 passengers.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced that the Iloilo airport is back to regular programming, benefitting thousands of travelers coming in and out of the province for the holiday stretch.

On Sunday, CAAP closed the airport’s runway for four hours to repair two potholes that were deemed a risk for aircraft movement.

CAAP released a notice to airmen on Dec. 21 to inform airlines and their passengers of the emergency repair. The notice was observed the next day, and the runway was shut from 7:15 to 11 in the morning, affecting nine flights from domestic carriers.

The repair delayed five flights to Iloilo from Manila and General Santos City. It also resulted in three cancelled schedules from Manila, Cebu and Puerto Princesa and one diverted trip from Puerto Princesa.

According to CAAP estimates, around 1,300 passengers were affected by the shutdown, but the agency believes it notified airlines ahead of time to cover for the disruption.

CAAP director general Manuel Antonio Tamayo said the agency prioritizes safety above anything else, as airports have to comply with the highest standards to keep operating.

Tamayo said the repair was finished on schedule, and the notice was lifted as planned, providing airlines the opportunity to catch up on missed flights as quickly as possible.

“Runway safety is paramount to aviation operations. The temporary closure was a necessary step to address potential hazards and maintain the highest safety standards,” Tamayo said.

The Villar Group, through Prime Asset Ventures Inc., is waiting on the government to process its P20.85-billion proposal to renovate the Iloilo International Airport. The Villar family holds the original proponent status for concession to manage the gateway.

The Department of Transportation is scheduled to open the Villar proposal for comparative offers in 2025, but if no counteroffers are made, the family would bag the project.

The Iloilo International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Philippines, and it is the third busiest in Visayas next to the Cebu and Caticlan gateways.