Bigger is better: Gov't to unveil upgraded passenger terminal building at Kalibo airport

The new and improved passenger terminal building (PTB) of the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) will be unveiled Friday, June 4.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will inaugurate the expanded and improved international PTB of the KIA following its completion last September 15, 2020.

From having a 344-passenger capacity, the airport’s international PTB can now handle 406 passengers while the domestic PTB has a total capacity of 400 passengers. A bigger capacity means no more long queues for tourists.

The size of the international PTB has increased from an area of 1,584 square meters to 2,633.40 square meters.

The expansion project also provides passengers in queue with a 126-square meter covered section outside the international PTB for weather protection. The improved facility also provides an additional space for the operation of customs, immigration, and pre-screening personnel--thus, eliminating the long line of passengers.

The upgrade project also expanded the airport space for airline check-in counters to 468 square meters from the previous 216 square meters. Passengers can now enjoy a spacious 608.40-square meter pre-departure waiting area after it was extended by an additional 284.40 square meters.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the upgraded gateway is expected to rev up the economy of Aklan and its nearby provinces as well as provide tourists with convenient access to the country’s most prized tourism gem – the island of Boracay.

The secretary added that at least 236 local construction workers were employed during the expansion works of the KIA’s international PTB.

The dilapidated, 4,000-square meter pavement of the airport’s apron was also repaired in order to remove potential hazards to parking aircraft. (With reports from Ariel Fernandez)