CAGAYAN de Oro City — Northern Mindanao could soon have a direct air link to South Korea as Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) prepares for the possible launch of international flights at Laguindingan International Airport.
AIC is eyeing a direct route between Laguindingan and Incheon International Airport in Seoul, giving travelers in the region a possible faster connection to South Korea without the need for a connecting flight.
AIC said it is awaiting formal coordination with its partners as it continues preparations for international routes, including the possible Incheon connection.
In a statement sent to the Gold Star Daily on Monday, Oct. 5, the company said it continues to work with local government units and other stakeholders toward the possible launch of international flights from Laguindingan as early as next year.
AIC Head of Strategy and Communications Christine Villanueva earlier said the company has been promoting Northern Mindanao as a tourism destination in South Korea.
These efforts include hosting Korean travel influencers, organizing visits by Korean diving communities and joining regional tourism development planning.
The possible Korea route comes as Northern Mindanao continues to draw Korean visitors.
Last week, more than 19 Korean media representatives and travel agents visited Misamis Oriental for a familiarization tour organized by the local governments of Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental.
The group visited destinations including Lohas Diving Resort in Laguindingan and explored the mountain views and other attractions in Claveria.
A direct Laguindingan-Incheon flight could make travel between Northern Mindanao and South Korea more convenient while supporting the region’s efforts to attract more Korean tourists.
For now, however, the route remains under preparation and coordination, with no final launch date announced.
