By Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA
MANILA — The newly-improved Antique Airport started its operations on Dec. 16, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced.
“The runway and terminal facilities have been improved at a budget of PHP40 million,” CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
He added that as of now, only the Philippine Airlines (PAL) offers the Antique route.
PAL’s flight PR 2205 took off from Clark International Airport and landed the Antique Airport on Sunday morning.
Before this inaugural flight, CAAP has completed the construction of a canopy, the repainting of the runway apron markers, ramp markers, runway 36 and 18, and stop-way markers. Tall trees obstructing the airport’s flight path have also been cut off.
CAAP noted that the runway has also been extended to 1.4 kilometers to help make it more viable for commercial aircraft landing and takeoff.
Meanwhile, Apolonio said the airport will have a new terminal building, and this project was bid out for PHP343 million.
The project will also include the construction of an admin building, powerhouse, staff house, perimeter and security fence, and a new apron and taxiway, according to CAAP.
