The Philippine government recently took measures to reduce the operation of turboprop aircraft at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), a decision that could have far-reaching consequences for the national aviation landscape and the airlines affected.
The plan calls for shifting these flights to Clark International Airport, about 115 kilometers to the north. The move is part of a broader strategy to decongest the capital's congested airport and promote Clark International Airport as an alternative hub.
NAIA is the Philippines' main airport, serving the capital region, which is one of the most densely populated and economically important regions in the country. With capacity long stretched beyond its limits, the airport faces major challenges. The operation of turboprop aircraft, which typically serve shorter and more regional routes, contributes to congestion and blocks valuable slots that could be used for larger, international flights.
According to reports in the Philippine press, such as the **Philippine Star**, another reason for the relocation is the plans to convert Terminal Four at NAIA into a warehouse. This terminal is currently used mainly for turboprop flights. The planned conversion is intended to pave the way for the construction of a new, modern terminal that will better meet the increased demands of airport operations.
Reactions from airlines
The affected airlines, including Cebgo (a subsidiary of Cebu Pacific), AirSWIFT and Sunlight Air, have so far been reluctant to make public statements on the government's plans. Cebu Pacific's President and Chief Commercial Officer Alexander Lao told ch-aviation that the airline is waiting for an official directive from the government before taking concrete action. Carlos Luis Fernandez, Executive Vice President of Philippine Airlines, stressed to the **Philippine Star** that an immediate implementation of the relocation of turboprop flights is not realistic and that talks with the government are ongoing to find a workable solution.
Potential impacts and challenges
The shift of turboprop flights to Clark International Airport represents a significant change for both airlines and passengers. Recently redeveloped, Clark Airport now offers a new passenger terminal with a capacity of 12,2 million passengers per year and has plans for a second runway in the pipeline. This could make the airport an attractive alternative to NAIA, especially for flights to popular tourist destinations such as Busuanga, Caticlan (Boracay) and Siargao, which are currently accessible via turboprop services.
The challenge, however, is that Clark is less accessible than NAIA for many passengers, especially Metro Manila residents. The additional travel burden could affect passenger comfort and reduce demand for these flights. In addition, airlines may have to adjust their operational schedules and logistics, which could incur additional costs.
Future prospects and strategic considerations
Pressure on the Philippine aviation infrastructure continues to mount, especially considering the growing population and increasing tourism. The government sees the shift of turboprop flights as a way to increase NAIA's efficiency and capacity while also pushing ahead with the expansion of Clark International Airport. This strategy could also help promote economic recovery in the Clark region and improve the Philippines' overall transportation network.
The coming months will be crucial to see how the parties involved - the government, airport operators and airlines - work together to find a solution that is beneficial to all parties. It remains to be seen whether the measures to ease the burden on NAIA can be successfully implemented and what further steps will be taken to future-proof the Philippine aviation industry.