Legazpi City International Airport

Bicol International Airport (Filipino: Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Bicol, Bikol: Pankinàban na Palayogan kan Bicol) is an under construction international airport that would serve Legazpi City, the capital of Albay and the regional center of Bicol Region, in the Philippines. The airport is currently under construction in the town of Daraga. The P3.5 billion airport is located on a 200-hectare plateau 15 kilometers away from the Mayon Volcano. Some sources also name the airport Southern Luzon International Airport (Filipino: Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Katimogang Luzon) . The airport will replace the old Legazpi Airport, which is only 2 to 3 kilometers away from this airport.

Contents

Background

The airport was in planning since early 2006 [1], when officials discussed the feasibility of an international airport in Legazpi. During March 4 and 5, 2006, officials in Daraga, where the airport would be constructed, discussed with the barangay capitains of barangays Alobo, Inarado, Kinawitan, Burgos and Mabini over the conversion of agricultural lands into industrial lands for the use of the airport. The airport is estimated to occupy at least some 2 square kilometres of land and many families could be displaced from the airport's construction.

This airport will be the first international airport to be built in Bicolandia, and according to Daraga Mayor Gerry Rodrigueza Jaucian, would be a testament to economic growth in the region and of the dreams of Bicolanos, as shown in the following excerpt from the Manila Times:

"We’re grateful to the President for fulfilling the Bicolanos’ dream to have an international airport. This is the realization of our quest to become one of the booming regions in the country."

Construction

On July 2007, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications), to fast-track the paper work on the planned new airport. [2] President Macapagal-Arroyo has also released 85 million pesos for the advance engineering study for the new airport. [3] Tourism Secretary Ace Durano has assured the allotment of P250 million for the purchase of land for the airport. As of November 2007, pre-construction activities such as the feasibility study and site development plan have been completed. The construction contract has also been bidden out. [4]

See also

References

  1. Talks to construct airport under way, Manila Times, March 7, 2006
  2. PGMA orders DOTC to fast-track preparations for Legazpi City's new airport 'on the plateau', Information Agency, July 3, 2007
  3. PGMA's Speech during the Infra Conference for Central Philippines Super Region, Office of the President, July 13, 2007
  4. Daraga international airport’s construction in full steam, Manila Standard Today, November 14, 2007
International airports
Major domestic airports
Minor domestic airports
Community airports

Bagabag (RPUZ) • Baler (BQA) • Bantayan (RPSB) • Bislig (BPH) • Borongan (BPR) • Bulan (RPUU) • Calapan (CPP) • Catbalogan (RPVY) • Cauayan (CYZ) • Daet (DTE) • Guiuan (RPVG) • Hilongos (RPVH) • Iba (RPUI) • Iligan (IGN) • Ipil (IPE) • Itbayat (IBB) • Jomalig (RPLJ) • Liloy (LLY) • Lingayen (RPUG) • Lubang (LBX) • Malabang (MLP) • Maasin (MSN) • Malaybalay (MBY) • Mamburao (MBO) • Mansalay (MSL) • Mapun (CDY) • Mati (MXI) • Naval (RPVQ) • Ozamiz (OZC) • Palanan (RPLN) • Perez (RPLY) • Pinamalayan (RPLA) • Plaridel (PRB) • Rosales (RPLR) • San Fernando (SFE) • Siquijor (RPSQ) • Siocon (XSO) • Sorsogon (RPLZ) • Surallah (AAV) • Ubay (UBY) • Vigan (VGN) • Wao
Unclassified and
notable aerodromes
Airports in italics have not yet been opened, are under construction, or are in the planning stages.