Tuesday, July 15, 2025
A Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan broke ground on a new passenger terminal building (PTB), as part of a government push to boost tourism and development in the region. Caticlan Gateway, the new terminal and gateway island of Boracay, aims to be the pivotal infrastructural development to ease congestion in other major airports in the Philippines and foster economic expansion in the Western Visayas area. The ambitious project is set to boost passenger capacity, regional connectivity and sustainable tourism.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity and Accessibility
The new terminal, which will be opened later this year, will be capable of servicing up to seven million passengers per year and accommodate the growing number of flights to Boracay and other nearby areas. Philippines is one of the fastest growing inland and international tourism markets, and the new train would enhance the passenger travel experience and also ease the congestion at the airports in Manila. Through further development of regional gateways such as Caticlan, efforts are underway to maximize the dispersion of passenger traffic for easing up congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), as well as spreading out the benefit of tourism across the country.
As the main entryway to the world renowned Boracay Island, Caticlan continues to top the list of tourist destinations within the Philippines. The airport is already well served by major hub links, including Cebu, Davao and Clark, a position bolstered by regular flights from the incumbent country carriers, such as Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, that fly from Manila and other secondary cities. The new terminal offers a better gateway for tourists from key cities in the country, with making connections faster and a more pleasant experience for passengers traveling to Boracay and other nearby destinations.
As of now, Manila is a quick one-hour flight away from Caticlan Airport or a short land-and-boat hop to Boracay’s White Beach. The construction of the new terminal will just accelerate this and ease the accessibility of Boracay to the local and foreign visitors. With enhanced facilities, the area can expect to draw an even larger number of visitors in the future, further strengthening its image as one of the finest beach destinations in the Philippines.
A Public-Private Growth Driver
The terminal project is being implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) under a public-private partnership (PPP) via Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp. This development is in support of the Build, Build, Build of the Philippine government for national infrastructure program to help drive economic growth in the countryside. The Php2. 5 billion terminal, which will cover 36,000 square meters, and feature contemporary facilities like advanced baggage handling services, eights boarding bridges, and enhanced passenger facilities.
The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs over its construction and operational phases, supporting local workers and businesses in Aklan province, to which Caticlan belongs. Construction has already begun, with Megawide Construction Corp. leading the build. The larger terminal, due to be finished in December 2026, will necessitate more ground crew, security and other staff, as well as more retail operators to serve the growing influx of customers. These are jobs that will contribute to the local economy, ensuring job opportunities for locals in tourism-reliant communities.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism in Boracay
At the same time, just as the airport will bring more tourists to Boracay and other spots in Western Visayas, it also helps make the case for sustainable tourism practices. Experts have long stressed that tourism-driven growth, particularly in environmentally vulnerable places such as Boracay, which has had problems with overdevelopment and environmental destruction in the past, must be managed with care.
Green building standards and environmental-friendly operations will be featured in the terminal’s design, as committed by the Philippine government. All of these are to minimize the ecological footprint which the growing number of tourists arriving in Boracay and its environs from time to time creates on the locals. Among the sustainability measures said to be under consideration include incorporating solar power systems and water recycling facilities in a bid to reduce the terminal’s carbon footprint and its water use.
Another key player to ensure the adherence to environmental and safety regulations is the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) but only after the terminal has commenced operations. These projects will ensure that the new infrastructure can be able to sustain long-term sustainable tourism in such a way that it will protect the natural beauty of Boracay and its environs while allowing the continued expansion of the sector.
From Employment and Local Economy Perspective
Meanwhile, the construction of the new terminal at Caticlan would be a big boon to local economy, especially for those in businesses catering to tourism, which cover various sectors such as transportation, accommodation, and merchandising. New business opportunities for local companies, including hotels, restaurants, airlines, and tour operators, will also be created by the increased number of tourists resulting from greater accessibility. Demand for these services is expected to increase, in the process creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and workers, as well as new jobs for locals.
The project has been tagged by Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores as “a game changer for the province.” The influx of tourists is anticipated to boost household income and offer people who live in places that rely heavily on tourism a more solid source of income. The project is also viewed as a spur for economic development as it brings to the region increased investment in areas other than tourism, such as retail, infrastructure and services.
The terminal project has long-term implications that will affect more than the tourist trade gov.tt This better transport infrastructure will – in turn – drive more investors and businesses to the region, and encourage wider job creation. It may spark new industries and new jobs for local residents, enhancing the economy of the region.
The new terminal is part of the Philippines government’s efforts to upgrade regional infrastructure and to move away from over-dependence on Metro Manila as the primary point of entry into the country for international visitors. By upgrading provincial airports and by facilitating it for visitors to go directly to those tourist hotspots such as Boracay, the government aims to achieve an equitable regional distribution of the tourism revenues, and spark growth elsewhere in the country. More infrastructure projects in the pipeline over the next few years will be aiming to continue to enhance regional accessibility and this includes road improvements and out of key signing of airports in tourist regions. These are all in line with an overall blueprint to transform the Philippines into an easier and more sustainable destination for visitors from all corners of the world.
Conclusion: For A New Era of Travel in Western Visayas
The new terminal at Caticlan Airport is a very important step in the progress of tourism in Western Visayas. With the capability to accommodate more passengers, and increase in accessibility to Boracay and surrounding areas, the project will spur tourism, and further support the economy of the region. Given the concurrent focus on sustainable development and environmental care, the natural beauty of the region will also be maintained for future generations. The future seems bright for Western Visayas tourism as the completion date of the terminal is set to be in 2026, and travelers can expect a more comfortable travel experience to one of the country’s most well-loved destinations.
