(22 July 2025, Manila) - The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) wants to operate Casiguran Airport before the end of the year, and also offer charter flights in early 2026.
“The airport is already capable to service turboprop airplanes. Under civil aviation rules, we need a permit to operate (PTO), even for chartered flights,” APECO Deputy Administrator Angelo Mantuano said in a statement.
In February, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) released audit findings on corrective measures needed for the airport, Mantuano said, noting that APECO is complying with the requirements and will finish them by October, so that CAAP can issue the permit. CAAP is the country’s aviation regulator responsible for aircraft registrations, airman licenses and operational procedures, and air traffic control.
Mantuano said that, aside from basic air navigation services and facilities, the Casiguran Airport is designed for hosting chartered flights from investors who will offer shorter travel time than by land.
“Our end goal is to make it an international airport, a Category 4 which can attract aircraft like A320s, which is the minimum class for regional flights going to Korea and Japan,” Mantuano pointed out.
In June, APECO acquired an additional 12 hectares of land from the Chua Cham family to expand the existing 1.320-kilometer airstrip into a commercial airport.
APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil Taway IV said the airport is being developed in phases: “Phase 1 is [for it to be] an ANSP (Air Navigation Service Provider). Phase 2 will [make it] capable of night operations. Phase 3 will allow A320s to land aside from turboprop planes. Phase 4 will make it an international airport.”
The airport’s expansion is part of its updated master development plan set for approval by the APECO Board this month.
Facilities for defense, among other infrastructure, are included in the masterplan.
APECO provides a natural barrier since it is near the Indo-Pacific Corridor and the Sierra Madre mountain range, Taway said, adding that it is also accessible to the US Pacific Fleet in Guam and Honolulu.
The masterplan likewise envisions APECO to be ”a business district by the beach,” providing corporate services to various industries, including MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions).
“We made sure that districts and zones are next to each other, large enough to support types of spaces,” Mantuano said. “We want to not only attract people to go there, but to stay there. It’s a walkable city concept.”
The news article was first featured in the Manila Times by Michael Din Dela Cruz. To view the article, click here.
