CAGAYAN de Oro City — Travelers in Northern Mindanao may soon have more opportunities to fly abroad directly from Laguindingan International Airport as its private operator ramps up tourism promotion and prepares the gateway for international operations.
Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), which manages Laguindingan International Airport, said it is working with tourism stakeholders to make Northern Mindanao more attractive to foreign visitors while upgrading the airport to meet growing travel demand.
During a media briefing on Friday, July 17, AIC Head of Strategy and Communications Christine Villanueva said the company is promoting the region through initiatives such as hosting Korean travel influencers, organizing visits by Korean diving communities, and taking part in regional tourism development planning.
The company has also improved the airport's commercial spaces, strengthened operational systems and regulatory compliance, and expanded partnerships with the tourism sector to provide a better passenger experience.
In its first year of operating Laguindingan Airport, AIC recorded 2.17 million passengers and 17,451 aircraft movements. The airport currently has an annual capacity of 2.9 million passengers.
While the airport is already capable of handling international flights, Villanueva said launching overseas routes will depend on airlines deciding to operate them.
"Ready na ang airport to accommodate international flights. Pero ang pagdagdag ng international routes ay hindi lang desisyon ng airport, kasama rin dito ang mga airline," she said.
For now, most travelers using Laguindingan Airport are flying to visit family and relatives or for business.
AIC said its immediate priority is to grow domestic tourism while ensuring Northern Mindanao is ready to welcome more international flights and foreign visitors in the future.
