JAVIER (at rostrum).
ILOILO CITY – Gov. Paolo Javier is optimistic that the new P1.5-billion Antique Airport will boost provincial economy and tourism.
“This airport is more than an infrastructure. The importance of this airport to Antiqueños cannot be overstated,” said Javier at the inauguration this week.
“For the economy, it invites new business opportunities, strengthens logistics, and allows our local products to reach larger markets. Investors now see Antique as accessible and ready for sustained growth,” noted the governor.
“For tourism, this is a gateway to our mountains, rivers, and pristine beaches. It positions Antique as a true destination in Western Visayas,” added Javier.
The Antique Airport in the capital town of San Jose de Bueanavista resumed commercial operations in December 2018 and underwent massive expansion and modernization when Sen. Loren Legarda served as congresswoman of the lone district of Antique in 2019.
A new passenger terminal building (PTB) was built under the modernization program implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The new PTB raised the passenger capacity to 360 from 64 passengers. It is now 2,224-square meters from 181-square meters and has six check-in counters from two.
The airport’s runway was extended to 1,800 meters from 1,430 meters, enabling an Airbus aircraft to land.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) operates thrice a week Manila-San Jose-Manila flights.
The airport was named after former Gov. Evelio B. Javier, Paolo’s uncle. Evelio’s assassination led to the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.