The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Thursday said it is accelerating airport development initiatives to make domestic air travel more affordable and accessible.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez recently ordered that all airports must have a minimum 2,100-meter runway to accommodate jet aircraft operations, except for those with topographical constraints.

CAAP reported that 20 commercial airports already meet the standard, including nine international airports, 10 principal class 1 airports, and one principal class 2 airport. In addition, 29 airports are currently operating jet aircraft.

The agency is also studying runway extensions for other airports, subject to right-of-way, terrain, and safety considerations.

CAAP is also advancing night-rating capability to allow safe night and early morning operations.

Currently, 23 airports are night-capable. Cauayan and Tuguegarao airports are prioritized for this upgrade while Busuanga, Siargao, Dipolog, Pagadian and Antique airports are in the pipeline.

“These developments will expand airport capacity and flight availability while encouraging competition that will directly benefit Filipinos through safer and more affordable air travel,” said CAAP Director General Retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario.

CAAP reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing airport infrastructure through coordinated efforts with the Department of Transportation and other agencies, while future-proofing the Philippine aviation system to meet present and future demands.