DOTr Acting Sec. Giovanni Lopez. Photo courtesy of Connie Calipay/ Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) opened talks with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to address transmission lines that had been limiting the usable length of the runway at Bicol International Airport in Albay.
During an inspection on Sunday, Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said he had instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to earmark between ₱200 million and ₱300 million to modify the height of the power lines obstructing aircraft operations.
Lopez said the move followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that the airport could operate at full capacity and eventually accommodate international flights to support tourism in the region.
Although Bicol International Airport has a 2,500-meter runway, only about 1,900 to 2,000 meters had been usable because of the obstruction, limiting the types of aircraft that could safely land and take off.
Lopez said removing the constraint would allow full use of the runway, improve jet operations, and potentially help lower airfares for travelers flying to and from Bicol.
Under a memorandum of agreement, the DOTr, CAAP, and NGCP agreed to work together to resolve the issue, paving the way for the airport to open its runway to international flights.
Separately, Lopez also reviewed port facilities in the region, including Matnog Port in Sorsogon and Pantao Port in Albay, noting ongoing and planned upgrades aimed at expanding passenger and cargo capacity and improving inter-island connectivity.
