Clark airport emphasizes viability with planned second runway

Clark International Airport —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Clark International Airport is set to have a second runway, costing P7 billion to P10 billion, as it seeks to welcome more flights while avoiding potential disruptions amid the resurgence of travel.

In an interview with reporters, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and CEO Joshua Bingcang said they were in the process of looking for a partner from the private sector to construct the new runway at the alternative gateway located 90 kilometers from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

He said they would also be spending P2 billion more for the expansion of taxiways and aprons for new locators, including logistics companies.

Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (Lipad), the private operator of Clark Airport, told the Inquirer separately that no definite timeline has been set for the runway construction as they seek to maximize its 8-million annual passenger capacity in the meantime.

Last year, Clark Airport serviced nearly 2 million passengers, showing a 50-percent recovery compared to the prepandemic volume. The terminal projects to fly 2.4 million to 3.3 million passengers this year amid an improving appetite for travel.

Recently, the airport welcomed several airlines including Aero-K, Sunlight Air, Air Busan, Hong Kong Express, Starlux and EVA Air.

It currently services 10 international and seven domestic routes.

Despite competition from the upcoming Bulacan airport, Lipad president and CEO Noel Manankil said they would remain viable as the preferred gateway of those living in Central Luzon, parts of North Luzon, and even Metro Manila. The Bulacan Airport will be built by San Miguel Corp., which also won the bid to rehabilitate the Manila airport.

“We are confident our own airport will survive,” he said.

Lipad is also attracting more logistic players due to the growing demand for cargo handling and delivery.

Earlier this year, global company UPS disclosed it would be building a new hub in Clark to beef up its supply chain and logistics services with the e-commerce boom driving the need for more last-mile delivery services. It is set to start construction by February 2025, in time for operations the following year.

Aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider Lufthansa Technik Philippines is also planning to spend P15 billion to establish operations in Clark by 2026. —TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD INQ