New Bohol airport on track for completion in June 2018

MANILA, Philippines — The P7.8 billion New Bohol (Panglao) airport is on track for completion by June next year, while commercial operations are expected to begin by August.

In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the project is on track to be completed by June of next year.

The DOTr said the first flight test in the fully-paved runway of the airport was conducted successfully last Nov. 6.

The runway was designed to accommodate seven aircraft, including large aircraft for international flights.

Construction of the airport has been round the clock on the orders of DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.

Completion of the airport is now at 53.38 percent.

Once completed, the airport would serve as the premiere gateway to the province of Bohol.

The airport, which would replace the Tagbilaran Airport, is expected to start commercial operations by August next year.

It will accommodate two million passengers in its opening year alone.

At present, the Tagbilaran Airport caters to 800,000 passengers.