Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation (ABAC) will invest P4.53 billion to modernize and expand the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) under a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP) concession agreement, aimed at boosting capacity and supporting the province’s fast-growing tourism sector.
The project covers upgrades to both airside and landside facilities, expansion of terminal capacity, and preparations to handle rising passenger volumes—key steps to sustain Bohol’s booming tourism economy.
Aldwin Uy, BPIA general manager, said the P4.53-billion outlay reflects ABAC’s long-term commitment to modernizing the gateway and meeting Bohol’s future connectivity and travel demands.
While full investments will be rolled out over the 30-year concession, initial works have centered on restoring critical systems, improving operational reliability, and elevating the passenger experience. Finished and ongoing tasks include elevator restoration, baggage carousel repairs, preventive maintenance of passenger boarding bridges, checks on uninterruptible power supply systems, and calibration of passenger weighing scales.
ABAC has also moved to strengthen safety and operational readiness, with inspections of key facilities, fire protection system assessments, runway rubber removal, and friction testing.
Passenger services are being upgraded too: frontline staff now receive enhanced customer service training, a formal feedback system has been set up, more seating has been added, and wayfinding signs have been improved. Plans are also underway to integrate terminal fee payments for smoother transactions.
The airport is now fully capable of handling larger Airbus A330 aircraft—a milestone that opens the door to new routes and better connectivity with domestic and international destinations.
Emergency preparedness was put to the test in May 2026 with BEACON 2026, a full-scale simulation that brought together airport staff, airlines, local government units, medical teams, and emergency responders. The drill evaluated response, coordination, and recovery protocols to ensure passenger safety and continuous operations during crises.
Since ABAC took over operations and maintenance under the PPP arrangement, BPIA has served over 2.16 million passengers, solidifying its role as Bohol’s main air gateway.
Beyond airport management, ABAC is collaborating with local tourism and business groups to promote Bohol and develop new air routes. The firm noted improved connectivity and steady passenger demand will be vital to the PPP’s long-term success, bringing wider benefits to tourism, businesses, and local communities.
Uy said the airport’s ongoing development shows how PPPs can blend long-term investment with agile daily management. “This partnership lets us combine forward planning with responsive operations. Beyond our concession obligations, we are consistently investing in better safety, smoother travel experiences, and an airport ready to support Bohol’s growth for years to come,” Uy added.
