India’s GMR Group is positioning the proposed Sangley Point International Airport as a major new Philippine investment, with the project expected to draw more than P150 billion in direct capital as the company expands its aviation and logistics footprint nationwide.
GMR is pursuing Sangley with Cavitex Holdings Inc. as a new gateway for the Greater Capital Region, with the project also projected to generate P500 billion in indirect economic impact, USD300 million to USD500 million in government revenues and 10,000 to 15,000 jobs.
The planned airport would add capacity to the capital’s aviation system and help ease pressure on Ninoy Aquino International Airport, giving GMR a potentially significant foothold in the country’s largest air travel market.
The project was among the group’s expansion plans discussed during a Sept. 12 meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in New Delhi.
Beyond Sangley, GMR is exploring opportunities to upgrade airport clusters in Bacolod, Tacloban, Busuanga and Laoag, broadening its reach into regional gateways supporting tourism and trade.
The group is also pursuing logistics opportunities at Clark, including bids for facilities serving global cargo operators, adding an air freight component to its Philippine strategy.
GMR has invested more than P36 billion in Philippine airport infrastructure since 2014, including projects in Cebu and Clark.
The wider pipeline would build on that footprint by linking major airports with regional gateways and logistics facilities, potentially giving GMR a larger role in the country’s aviation infrastructure market.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the government would support GMR’s expansion through incentives under the CREATE MORE Act and the Green Lane for Strategic Investments, with the Department of Trade and Industry serving as a focal agency to facilitate the projects.
