Unlocking Inclusive Growth: Regional Flights to Boracay Seen as Key to Expanding Aklan’s Tourism and Trade Economy

By: John Dela Cruz

Kalibo, Aklan – The time is now for Aklan to capitalize on the rising momentum of domestic tourism. With Godofredo Ramos Airport in Caticlan recently ranked as the 4th busiest airport in the Philippines, handling over 3.8 million passengers in 2023 according to CAAP data, stakeholders across the province are called to act: invest in regional air linkages to spread the benefits of Boracay tourism across more Filipino communities—and back to Aklan itself.

The province has already proven it can handle volume. The continued growth of Caticlan Airport positions it as not only a gateway to Boracay, but a strategic hub for regional connectivity. But the opportunity doesn’t stop there.

To future-proof the province’s tourism-dependent economy and reduce over-reliance on international arrivals, Aklan must push for direct flights from other key regional cities such as:
• Cagayan de Oro – Economic powerhouse of Northern Mindanao (5M+ population)
• Legazpi (Daraga Airport) – Gateway to Mayon and the Bicol region
• Tagbilaran/Panglao (Bohol) – A rapidly growing tourism and heritage site
• Puerto Princesa (Palawan) – A strong nature-based tourism market
• Tuguegarao (Cagayan Valley) – Northern Luzon’s trade and academic center

These proposed routes, viable through turbo-prop regional aircraft, are not just for tourism—they serve as economic corridors for trade, logistics, and inter-island collaboration. Opening flights to these areas would:

✅ Bring more Filipino tourists to Boracay, sustaining demand even during international travel downturns
✅ Boost MSMEs and service industries in Aklan (food, transport, accommodation, retail)
✅ Distribute tourism revenues more equitably among island barangays and nearby municipalities
✅ Create jobs in tourism, aviation, logistics, and agri-trade
✅ Strengthen Aklan’s role as a regional economic hub, not just a tourism gateway

The Caticlan–Davao route, which has seen consistent uptake, is a proof of concept: regional Filipinos will fly if given access. This is an invitation to airlines, tourism councils, LGUs, and private investors to collaborate with Aklan in turning Boracay into a nationally connected, year-round destination.

With Boracay receiving over 2 million visitors annually, and domestic tourism sustaining the province through economic challenges, the next logical step is to expand access, diversify markets, and secure future growth.

Local stakeholders—from resort owners to farmers, transport groups to youth workers—stand to gain from an Aklan that is connected not just to Manila, but to the nation.

It’s time to go beyond gateways—Aklan must lead the way in building the regional tourism economy of the future.