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A new chapter begins for Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental as Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) officially takes over its operations, setting the stage for a major Laguindingan Airport expansion project aimed at supporting the country’s growing travel sector and contributing to Philippine airport privatization.
Following the turnover on April 26, AIC President and CEO Cosette Calinao announced during a media briefing that the group is now managing the airport’s operations and maintenance. This is part of Aboitiz InfraCapital infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening their airport portfolio amid the post-pandemic travel boom.
“Following the official turnover last Saturday, we are embarking on a two-phase expansion,” Calinao said.
Expansion Plans
The first phase of the Laguindingan Airport expansion will focus on boosting passenger handling capacity from 1.6 million to 3.9 million passengers per year (mppa). Depending on traffic growth, a second phase will push capacity further to 6.3 mppa.
This project is backed by a ₱12.75-billion concession agreement signed in October 2024, granting AIC a 30-year operational mandate. The agreement is a notable move in the wave of Philippine airport privatization projects involving the private sector in national infrastructure.
Key Facilities
Currently, Laguindingan Airport features a 7,184-square-meter passenger terminal, a 350-square-meter cargo terminal, and several core infrastructures, including:
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An air traffic control building
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Car parking areas
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Aircraft rescue and firefighting stations
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Administration and maintenance buildings
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Other critical utility hubs
Future Developments
This takeover is part of broader Aboitiz InfraCapital infrastructure projects that include the upcoming assumption of operations for Bohol-Panglao International Airport by June 2025, with expansion plans by 2030.
These moves follow Aboitiz’s 2022 acquisition of Mactan-Cebu International Airport, reinforcing its aggressive push in the Laguindingan Airport expansion and airport development sector.
Industry Impact
Laguindingan, the sixth-busiest airport in the country, plays a crucial role in Mindanao’s connectivity. The Laguindingan Airport expansion is expected to drive regional economic growth, enhance passenger experience, and help modernize national gateways under a robust infrastructure roadmap.