Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Helen Catalbas on Friday said the New Iloilo Airport in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan town is not yet ready to cater additional international flights.
Dir. Catalbas said that although the two international flights Iloilo to Hong Kong and vice-versa and Iloilo to Singapore and vice-versa by Cebu Pacific Airline, which first opened the new airport to international passengers about two years ago, are getting stronger but it’s not yet time to add more flights at the airport.
Catalbas said that international chartered flights could possibly be catered but not yet the regular flights to foreign countries.
The tourism official cited the lack of facilities for more international flights and the limited landing area for airlines.
Since the Iloilo airport was opened to international flights to Hong Kong and Singapore, Catalbas said that there were already about 30,000 passengers who have used the airport for their foreign destinations or for their connecting flights.
Cebu Pacific twice weekly flight Iloilo to Hong Kong was launched on November 8, 2013 while its thrice weekly flight Iloilo to Singapore was on November 9 of the same year. (Source: PNA)