Calbayog Airport in Samar is ready to handle jet aircraft, allowing airlines to carry more passengers and potentially lower ticket prices.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Monday the DOTr and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will help the local government coordinate with airlines to start jet operations.

“For our airport here in Calbayog, your runway is long and excellent—2,000 by 45 meters. Jet operations are now possible. I spoke with the Governor and Mayor Monmon.

We are going to help coordinate with the airlines. If there’s anything else we need to do to make it safer, we will do it,” Lopez said.

According to the Transportation chief, the CAAP will allocate P60 million for a 300-meter asphalt overlay to improve efficiency, almost P100 million for runway strip grade correction, and P10 million for airport fencing.

To enhance safety, Precision Approach Path Indicator lights will be installed to guide aircraft during night landings. A modern control tower is also set for completion by the end of February.

“If there is still anything we need to do as mitigating measures to bring bigger aircraft here to Calbayog, we will do it,” Lopez said.