Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, has stepped up improvements at Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) with a new round of upgrades focused on airside operations, aiming to tighten safety standards and improve efficiency.
The upgrades cover areas beyond the passenger terminal where aircraft are handled, positioned, and dispatched. Though largely out of public view, these zones are central to keeping flights on schedule and reducing disruptions.
AIC said the enhancements form part of its broader push to improve reliability at LIA as passenger volumes continue to recover and place added pressure on airport infrastructure.
“While these improvements take place behind the scenes, they play a critical role in delivering a seamless passenger journey,” said AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Rafael M. Aboitiz. He added that more efficient airside operations lead to fewer delays and a more predictable travel experience.
Among the key changes, AIC introduced new and refreshed apron markings used by pilots and ground crews to safely maneuver aircraft. Clearer markings are expected to support faster aircraft turnarounds and reduce congestion during peak periods.
The company also installed additional Foreign Object Debris or FOD bins across airside areas to help limit the risk of loose materials damaging aircraft. FOD remains a persistent safety concern in aviation, as even small debris can cause costly or dangerous incidents.
These upgrades build on earlier maintenance works at LIA, including runway inspections, rubber removal, crack sealing, and repainting of apron bollards and pedestrian lanes to maintain safe operating conditions.
Industry observers say such incremental and operations-focused investments, though less visible than terminal expansions, can deliver immediate gains in on-time performance and safety, particularly for regional gateways like Laguindingan where efficiency constraints can quickly affect airline schedules.
AIC Airports, which operates LIA alongside Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport, is undertaking a multi-year modernization program following its 2024 concession wins.
The group aims to strengthen connectivity and support tourism growth through upgrades in airport infrastructure and operations.
Its network handled around 16 million passengers by end 2025, accounting for more than 20 percent of the country’s air traffic, highlighting the growing role of private operators in the Philippines aviation sector.
