Mindanao now has two rehabilitated airports — the Zamboanga International Airport in Zamboanga City and at the Jolo Airport in the province of Sulu.
DOTr announced the completion of works on the two airports in time for the re-opening of most airports, which have been remained closed during the implementation of community quarantines nationwide.
Transportation ecretary Arthur Tugade said, “With the work we are doing, especially with the work the CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) is continuing with, the aviation sector will surely recover.”
The Zamboanga International Airport had its Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) rehabilitated as the site acquisition of the New Zamboanga International Airport continues in the Mercedes – Talabaan area.
Jolo Airport also underwent improvements including in its PTB, while its ongoing projects include the construction of an administration building, relocation/construction of fire station building, continuing construction of its perimeter fence, correction of its runway strip width, and site acquisition to give way to a runway extension.
CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco said, “Apart from our completed airport projects, we also have other ongoing projects expected to be operational soon,” he added,
“These will surely contribute to our smooth transition, especially that we are promoting the use of regional airports to decongest NAIA [in Metro Manila].” (Jojo Mangahis)