By I. Inojales | 08:12 PM August 22, 2026
The Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) is gearing up for rising passenger demand as its operator advances a P4.53-billion modernization and development program under a 30-year public-private partnership concession.
Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corp. (ABAC), which operates and maintains the province’s main air gateway, presented its ongoing improvements and long-term plans during a management briefing and site visit with officials of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).
The planned capital investment will support airport modernization, infrastructure development and improvements in passenger and operational services.
Current works have focused on restoring critical systems and improving operational reliability. These include the restoration of elevators, repairs to baggage carousel systems, preventive maintenance of passenger boarding bridges, assessment of uninterruptible power supply systems and maintenance of passenger weighing scales.
ABAC has also strengthened safety and operational readiness through inspections of critical facilities, fire protection system assessments, runway rubber removal and friction testing.
Passenger services have likewise been upgraded through customer service training for frontline personnel, additional terminal seating, improved wayfinding signs and a dedicated feedback management system. The airport has also expanded stakeholder engagement and introduced initiatives supporting terminal fee integration.
Operational improvements have enabled BPIA to accommodate Airbus A330 aircraft, creating opportunities for future route development and stronger air connectivity for Bohol.
In May, the airport conducted Beacon 2026, or Bohol Emergency Airport Coordination Operations Network, a full-scale emergency simulation involving airport personnel, airline partners, local government units, medical institutions and emergency responders.
The exercise tested the airport’s emergency response, coordination and recovery procedures in the event of a major incident.
Since ABAC assumed airport operations, BPIA has served more than 2.16 million passengers. The operator has also worked with tourism and business stakeholders to promote Bohol and support efforts to develop additional flight connections.
The modernization program is expected to combine long-term infrastructure development with improvements to the airport’s day-to-day operations as Bohol continues to attract more tourists and business travelers.
DEPDev officials said infrastructure partnerships such as the BPIA concession can generate benefits beyond the airport itself by improving connectivity, supporting tourism and contributing to the province’s broader economic development.
ABAC said it will continue working with government and industry partners as BPIA responds to growing travel demand and supports Bohol’s tourism and economic activity.
