Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports (AIC) kicked off 2026 with strong passenger growth, as its Laguindingan and Bohol-Panglao gateways handled more than one million domestic travelers in the first quarter, reflecting sustained demand for regional air travel and tourism across the country.
Data released by AIC showed that domestic passenger traffic at Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) in Misamis Oriental and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) in Bohol reached a combined 1.02 million passengers from January to March, underscoring the expanding role of regional airports in driving economic activity beyond Metro Manila.
“Domestic travel continues to be a strong driver of growth for Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports, as well as in the communities where we are located,” said Rafael M. Aboitiz, AIC vice president and head of airports business.
He said robust passenger numbers reflect the growing importance of regional connectivity and the continued confidence of Filipinos in air travel for both business and leisure.
Laguindingan International Airport, the country’s seventh-busiest airport, accounted for the bulk of traffic, serving 616,661 domestic passengers during the quarter. The airport has increasingly become a vital gateway to Northern Mindanao, one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing regional economies and a key hub for trade, tourism, and investment.
Bohol-Panglao International Airport, meanwhile, welcomed more than 412,000 domestic travelers, benefiting from the island province’s enduring popularity among local tourists.
Bohol remains one of the country’s premier leisure destinations, anchored by attractions such as the Chocolate Hills and its distinction as home to the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark.
The airport is also positioning itself for stronger international growth. BPIA recently achieved an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Category 9 airport rescue and firefighting rating, allowing it to accommodate larger wide-body aircraft and enhancing its attractiveness to foreign carriers.
That capability received an early boost with the arrival of BPIA’s first charter flight from Narita, Japan, a development that signals rising international interest in Bohol as a tourism destination.
The strong first-quarter performance highlights the continued shift toward regional travel and the growing significance of provincial gateways in the country’s aviation network.
As passenger demand remains robust, AIC said it will continue investing in airport modernization, operational enhancements, and route development initiatives to strengthen connectivity and support tourism and economic growth in its host regions.
