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9 convincing reasons to upgrade airport facilities in the Philippines

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July 12, 2023

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Thanks to decades of steady economic progress, the Philippines has, in recent years, developed into a dynamic, middle-income country that is now the 36th largest in the world by nominal gross domestic product (GDP). With the country’s growing, increasingly prosperous population and an increasing number of foreign tourists, Philippine airports have to find ways to keep up with the massive surge in demand for domestic and international travel. Here are nine important reasons airport facilities in the Philippines need to be upgraded.

To meet international standards

Upgraded airport facilities can help the Philippines meet international standards for airport infrastructure. Meeting these globally recognized standards should make the country’s gateways and, by extension, the country itself, more appealing to international business travelers and leisure tourists.

The recent upgrades of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport have been met with acclaim from international travelers and global architecture and tourism think tanks. The upgrades have been credited with a massive increase in foreign arrivals in Cebu that have resulted in growth in the local tourism and business process outsourcing (BPO) industries. Similar upgrades to other existing airport facilities throughout the Philippines should result in similar gains for other regions.

To improve safety and security

As passenger numbers increase, airports have to employ better ways of ensuring everyone’s safety. This can be done through the use of less-invasive surveillance systems, better baggage screening procedures, and enhanced access control measures. In a world that is becoming less and less predictable, implementing these measures will not only help keep passengers safe, but they should also mitigate the effects of any untoward incidents.

To enhance the overall passenger experience 

Air travel can be a tiring and occasionally frustrating experience. Preboarding can be especially challenging for passengers in older airports with limited facilities. Modernized airport terminals will help alleviate preboarding hassles, offering travelers a more pleasant experience. Updates can include such amenities as high-quality Wi-Fi, more comfortable lounges, better restaurants, more interesting shops, as well as cleaner and more spacious restrooms. 

To accommodate increased passenger volume 

Efficiency and comfort suffer when airports are occupied beyond their designed capacity. This is a serious problem for several Philippine airports, as the volume of domestic and international air travelers has increased substantially in recent years. Upgrading existing airport facilities will be critical for accommodating this growing passenger volume, eliminating congestion in terminals, and thereby making travel more comfortable and efficient.

To increase airline competition

Tourists and business travelers are not the only ones that are attracted to better airports. Passenger and air cargo airlines also gravitate towards airports that can better facilitate their business. By upgrading airport facilities, the Philippines can attract more passenger and cargo airlines to operate within the country, increasing competition. This is great for air travelers and local businesses alike, as it usually results in better prices and improved service.

To boost tourism 

two person holding a map

The Philippines is a diverse country with a lot to offer in terms of natural wonders and cultural treasures. Upgrading airports, particularly those located in regional cities outside of Metro Manila, will enable more foreign and domestic tourists to visit, ultimately creating high-quality job opportunities and injecting cash into local economies.

To reduce environmental impact

Air travel is responsible for a significant proportion of emitted greenhouse gasses, particularly when accounting for the number of people and amount of cargo moved as a result of emissions. Modernized airport facilities can do much to reduce the environmental impact of air travel by reducing delays that cause wasteful carbon emissions as well as using more energy-efficient designs and processes.

To support the growth of local businesses

Several key regions are now booming in the Philippines and improving local airports will help take the brakes off their growth. Better airport facilities can help attract more visitors, resulting in increased investments and revenue for local businesses. As such, updated airports can be seen as a requisite to improving and sustaining the growth currently enjoyed by different Philippine regions.

To improve the overall image of the country

Aging airports don’t do any favors to a country’s image. As such, upgraded airport facilities are not just important for operational efficiency but also for national prestige. Better airports may help demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to modernization, helping reassure travelers and international airlines of the country’s stability.

Aboitiz InfraCapital: On the path to better Philippine aviation

Upgrading airport facilities is not just about ensuring more aircraft can arrive and depart on time. It’s also meant to enhance the passenger experience, reduce the country’s contribution to climate change, support the growth of local businesses, and improve the overall image of the country— among many other things. Through its investments in transport and mobility projects such as airports, Aboitiz InfraCapital hopes to be a part of a wider solution to better Philippine aviation in the years to come.

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