By Sam Ramos
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, has signed a concession agreement to upgrade, operate, and maintain Laguindingan International Airport located in Misamis Oriental. This agreement, signed at Malacañan Palace on October 28, 2024, represents a pivotal step in AIC’s strategic mission to elevate the country’s aviation infrastructure.
Under the P12.75 billion concession agreement, AIC will carry out a comprehensive development and modernization of Laguindingan International Airport over the next 30 years. The project, set to commence after the official turnover in April 2025, will involve renovating and expanding the passenger terminal, installing modern equipment, and enhancing both airside and landside facilities.
This initiative aims to significantly increase the airport’s capacity—from the current 1.6 mppa (million passengers per annum) to 3.9 mppa in the first phase, with a second phase capable of handling up to 6.3 mppa, depending on demand. Such improvements will boost passenger experience, operational efficiency, and safety standards.
Aboitiz InfraCapital’s efforts at Laguindingan International Airport reflect a broader vision to develop transformative airport ecosystems that strengthen the Philippines’ connectivity. Laguindingan International Airport, the sixth-busiest airport in the country and Mindanao’s second-busiest gateway after Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport, will soon be an integral part of AIC’s growing airports portfolio.
“We see potential in international flights and want to work closely with the airlines in realizing this dream. We will also collaborate with our tourism stakeholders to help market Misamis Oriental and develop a longer-term roadmap for enhanced connectivity,” said Rafael M. Aboitiz, AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Business.
The Laguindingan International Airport project is the first successful airport public-private partnership awarded via unsolicited bid under the current administration. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. highlighted the importance of this collaboration between the public and private sectors during the signing ceremony.
“This vision can only be realized through our united efforts and steadfast commitment to work together to work hand in hand. With that, this administration extends our gratitude to the supportive and visionary partners in the private sector, particularly Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc.,” President Marcos, Jr. remarked.
Aboitiz InfraCapital is known for operating the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), which has set new benchmarks for airport operations in the Philippines. The recent Terminal 2 at MCIA received a prestigious 4-star rating from globally renowned aviation consultancy Skytrax.
Earlier this year, MCIA unveiled several key best practices, including the Silent Airport plan to mitigate noise pollution, and the operation of Bridge-Mounted Equipment that cuts fuel costs and reduces carbon emissions. These initiatives will serve as a model for the upcoming Laguindingan Airport transformation.
With the completion of the Laguindingan Airport transformation, Aboitiz InfraCapital aims to provide a seamless and efficient travel experience for both domestic and international passengers. By improving connectivity, elevating airport operations, and ensuring safety and security standards, the new Laguindingan International Airport will undoubtedly be a key driver of economic growth and tourism in Northern Mindanao.