The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has submitted the P17.4 billion New Busuanga Airport Project to the National Economic and Development Authority – Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) for review and approval.

The new airport is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the area while promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The project will upgrade the airport to international standards while its terminal expansion will allow for more passengers, consisting mostly of local and foreign tourists wanting to explore the Calamian Group of Islands tourism cluster.

It is a priority airport Infrastructure Flagship Project of the Build Better More program.

Considering the project timeline, around P405 million allocation is required under CY 2024 for constructing a new runway, apron, Passenger Terminal Building, air traffic control building, and other critical facilities.

The New Busuanga Airport will incorporate the latest international best practices in sustainable and climate-resilient airport design.

Already, it has been endorsed by the Regional Development Council, Provincial Development Council, and Municipal Development Council. It also received its Environmental Compliance Certificate from DENR.

Once operational, the New Busuanga Airport can accommodate jet aircraft such as Airbus 320/A321, capable of meeting the projected increase in air traffic in the island.

It will support the tourism growth of Coron and surrounding areas and is expected be completed within the term of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.