The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is moving to extend regional and provincial airport runways to help lower domestic airfares, especially to popular tourist destinations such as Siargao.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency plans to lengthen airport runways to at least 2,100 meters so they can accommodate larger jet aircraft. Airports that cannot meet the standard due to terrain limitations will be exempted. He added that all new airports will be built with runways of at least 2,100 meters to prepare for future demand.
Aside from runway expansion, the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are prioritizing the “night-rating” of tourist airports. This involves upgrading airport lighting and systems so flights can operate at night and early morning. Lopez said allowing more flight schedules, including red-eye flights, gives passengers more choices and usually results in cheaper fares.
As part of efforts to reduce costs, Lopez said he previously asked major airlines such as Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific to lower one-way fares to Siargao. He noted that fares have since gone down, with some tickets now priced significantly lower than before.
The government is also promoting alternative travel options. The Philippine Ports Authority has built a cruise terminal in Siargao to support sea travel. A passenger ship now serves the route, offering fares that are cheaper than flying, though travel time is longer.
Lopez added that the DOTr and CAAP are also studying ways to reduce terminal fees at airports under government control, which could further bring down the overall cost of air travel for commuters and tourists.
