TACLOBAN CITY – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has confirmed that Borongan City Airport in Barangay Punta Maria is ready to accept flights operated by major airlines.
CAAP said the airport is equipped and ready to accommodate ATR72, Q300, and Q400 aircraft with a 50-passenger capacity given the 1.3-kilometer runway length.
The agency added that a runway extension is under way for another 200 meters by the end of the year which will further maximize the capacity of the aircraft.
“We thank CAAP for sharing this vital information with the city government. It will help us open negotiations with major airline companies who will take interest in opening flights to our beloved city," Ruperto Ambil II, Borongan City Airport Operations Project Lead and Information Officer-in-Charge, said.
"Under the leadership of Mayor Agda, our fellow Boronganons, as well as potential tourists, no longer have to travel from other regional airports just to visit us." Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda is thrilled to finally start flight operations that will connect Borongan City to other major airport hubs in the country.
At present, residents of Borongan City and Eastern Samar have to travel five hours by land to access the nearest airport in Tacloban City.
“It is part of my commitment to my fellow Boronganon to open them to countless opportunities that will help increase economic activities in our city. With a direct flight from Borongan City to Manila or Cebu, we can expect a boost in tourism that will eventually lead to more economic opportunities for Boronganons,” Agda said.