Funding sought to clear Bicol runway

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to allocate at least P200 million to P300 million to resolve transmission lines issues limiting operations at the Bicol International Airport (BIA).

Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said Monday the airport has a 2,500-meter runway, but only about 1,900 to 2,000 meters are currently usable due to the obstruction.

“The length of the Bicol International Airport runway is more or less 2,500 meters. It’s a very good and long runway, so we can accommodate jet operations. This will also help lower ticket prices for travelers using the airport,” Lopez said.

“The only problem left is funding. I’ve already talked to CAAP to set aside P200 to P300 million so we can lower the transmission lines and optimize the use of our runway. Hopefully, we can do it within the year,” he added.

Once the transmission line issue is resolved, the airport can accommodate international flights, Lopez said.

“So we can finally use the airport for its true purpose and goal, which is as an international airport,” he added.

Under a memorandum of agreement, the DOTr, CAAP, and the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines agreed to address the transmission line obstruction to allow the airport to use its full runway length and open it for international flights.