The Bohol–Panglao International Airport (BPIA) marked a major milestone on 16 November 2025 with the successful landing of its first Airbus A330 — a 459-seater wide-body aircraft operated by Cebu Pacific on the Manila–Tagbilaran route.

The landmark deployment marks the first time BPIA has received a wide-body jet of this scale, signaling the airport’s upgraded operational capability and boosting the province’s prospects for increased tourism, expanded flight capacity, and future international routes.

The development follows months of operational enhancements and compliance upgrades by airport private operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation (ABAC), which secured firefighting and rescue certifications required to handle larger aircraft. Upgrades included new rescue equipment, expanded trained personnel, and safety compliance in coordination with the Provincial Government of Bohol, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

“The Provincial Government of Bohol welcomes Cebu Pacific’s decision to deploy its Airbus A330 for daily flights to and from Bohol,” said Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado. “This move reflects their strong confidence in our province’s tourism potential and growing economy.”

BFP Bohol Provincial Fire Marshal Fire Superintendent Raul G. Bustaliño Jr. stressed the role of enhanced emergency response capacity in enabling the upgrade. “Ensuring that BPIA meets the safety and rescue requirements for an aircraft of this size is a major accomplishment,” he said. “Our collaboration with ABAC ensures that passengers, airlines, and the community can rely on the highest standards of safety.”

With the airport now able to support wide-body aircraft, airlines are positioned to accommodate more passengers per flight and explore new direct routes. The increased carrying capacity is expected to significantly bolster the province’s growing tourism demand.

Aboitiz Operating Airports Chief Operating Officer Terence Delomoney described the milestone as a step toward BPIA’s larger vision. “The arrival of the A330 demonstrates our commitment to elevating BPIA to world-class standards,” said Delomoney. “This capability allows airlines to increase capacity, introduce more direct flights, and ultimately bring more travelers to experience the beauty and culture of Bohol.”

The feat further solidifies Bohol’s rise as one of the country’s fastest-expanding tourism and investment destinations.