As the travel demand in the country remains resilient in spite of economic headwinds.
According to a report by Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports (AIC Airports), which it disclosed to Trendrod, two of its operated international airports in the country cumulatively recorded more than one million domestic passengers in the first quarter of 2026.
“Domestic travel continues to be a strong driver of growth for Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports, as well as in the communities where we are located,” said AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Business Rafael Aboitiz in a statement.
Citing its latest data, the Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) in Misamis Oriental and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) in Bohol recorded a total of 1.02 million travelers from around the country in the first three months of the year.
LIA, the country’s seventh-busiest gateway, recorded strong local numbers during the quarter as it served 616,661 domestic passengers.
“The growth highlights the increasing mobility of Northern Mindanao residents and visitors, and reinforces LIA’s role as a key gateway to one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing regions,” noted the airport operator.
Meanwhile, the BPIA, which is the country’s 10th-busiest gateway, welcomrd over 412,000 domestic passengers during the same quarter.
The airport is a vital connection to one of the country’s premier tourism destinations, which is home to the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark — making the province a major draw for Filipino travelers seeking leisure, cultural, and nature-based experiences.
“The sustained demand we are seeing at both Laguindingan and Bohol-Panglao International Airports reflects the enduring value of regional connectivity and the growing confidence of travelers exploring opportunities, destinations, and experiences across the country,” added Aboitiz.
At present, direct domestic connectivity to key destinations are available for LIA (Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo) as well as for BPIA (Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and El Nido).
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT BPIA
Bohol-Panglao International Airport, known as the country’s first eco-airport, continues to play a vital role in enhancing connectivity and supporting the province’s tourism growth.
Meanwhile, Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation (ABAC) was able to achieve International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Category 9 airport rescue and firefighting rating for BPIA, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol led by Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” C. Aumentado and the provincial Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
This was made possible through the deployment of an additional Structural Fire Truck by the provincial BFP to complement the airport’s existing two units.
With its upgraded ICAO rating, the BPIA is now able to accommodate higher-capacity wide-bodied aircraft since November 2025, which further strengthened the airport’s international capabilities.
FIRST JAPAN FLIGHT AT BPIA
More recently, BPIA welcomed its first-ever charter flight from Narita, Japan, which signals the renewed interest from the Japanese market and shows Bohol’s growing appeal as a premier destination for international travelers.
The visiting Japanese tourists were welcomed with a warm reception upon arrival, showcasing Boholano hospitality and culture.
The successful arrival of this charter flight reflects ongoing efforts to position Bohol as a key gateway for international travel in the Philippines.
“This is a very encouraging development for Bohol. We are hopeful that this chartered flight will pave the way for regular international arrivals, particularly from Japan, which has always been a valued tourism market for us,” said Governor Aumentado.
During a Bohol Business Mission in September 2025, the ABAC joined the governor’s official delegation and held exclusive talks with charter flight organizer, JTB Corporation.
During which, the airport’s modern infrastructure was highlighted and laid the groundwork for expanding Japanese tourist arrivals in Bohol.
Building on these engagements, ABAC also conducted on-site inspection in Tagbilaran in October to assess the readiness and adequacy of the airport’s Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQ) facilities—a crucial step in ensuring seamless international operations and passenger experience.
Bohol-Panglao International Airport General Manager Aldwin Uy highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in enabling international connectivity.
“We are proud to support this milestone arrival made possible through our strong partnership with Cebu Pacific, the Provincial Government of Bohol, and our tourism partners in Japan,” he told.
“This charter flight demonstrates Bohol-Panglao International Airport’s readiness to handle international traffic, connecting travelers to Bohol’s unique experiences and opportunities, while we continue enhancing our facilities and passenger experience to support stronger international operations.”
With the airport helping open pathways to local communities, businesses, and experiences, Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado expressed optimism about the development and viewed it as beneficial for the Provincial Government’s plan to join the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Visa-Free Entry Program for Chinese tourists.
“The Bohol-Panglao International Airport is a potential additional gateway which can attract more international tourists and foreign investors. That is why it is a great opportunity if we can avail of this visa-free program for Chinese tourists. This way, job opportunities will increase for our job seekers and it will boost our tourism sector,” Aumentado said in Boholano on Facebook.