Kalibo International Airport Needs a Second Wind—and Investors to Help It Fly Again

By: Guillermo Sumbiling

Kalibo, Aklan — The recent delisting of the P3.26-billion unsolicited proposal to upgrade and manage Kalibo International Airport (KIA) is a serious blow—not just to the town of Kalibo, but to the economic heart of northern Panay. Once ranked as the third busiest airport in the country, KIA is now at a crossroads. But rather than see this moment as a setback, it should serve as a wake-up call—for government leaders, the private sector, and potential investors.

Kalibo International Airport can still fly. It just needs the right vision—and bold partners to make it happen.

From Gateway to Ghost Terminal?

The decision by the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) to shelve the project under the Department of Transportation reflects changing market dynamics. The privatized Godofredo Ramos Airport in Caticlan, under the aggressive expansion of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), is fast becoming the flagship entry point for Boracay, complete with upcoming infrastructure to seamlessly connect airport to island.

At the same time, other major players are moving fast. Aboitiz InfraCapital is leading development in Bohol, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro, while the Villar Group has just been awarded operations of Iloilo International Airport—positioning it as the next Visayan aviation powerhouse.

With these developments, Kalibo is no longer top-of-mind for tourists or investors. But that doesn’t mean it’s out of the game. It simply needs to redefine its role.

Kalibo’s Hidden Advantage: Location, Land, and Logistics

Let’s take a step back: Kalibo still has several strong cards to play.

Its strategic location in the central Philippines makes it ideal as a logistics hub—connecting Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It’s only a short flight away from Cebu, Manila, and Davao, making it an ideal midpoint for cargo consolidation, aircraft maintenance, and regional aviation services.

The availability of developable land—something increasingly scarce in urban centers—makes it a cost-effective site for aviation-related businesses. Rising real estate costs in Manila are already forcing major operators to look for relocation sites. In fact, a leading MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) provider operating in NAIA is scouting for alternatives due to high operating costs in the capital. Kalibo is a natural fit for such operations.

Moreover, with turboprop operations set to be moved out of NAIA, regional airports like Kalibo can absorb that traffic and become hubs for secondary city connections, supporting the Department of Transportation’s decentralization goals.

A Call to Investors: Kalibo Is Open for Business

The airport may no longer be the premier Boracay gateway, but it can pivot into a hub for aviation services, logistics, and training—sectors that are growing steadily and require regional support infrastructure.

Here are investment opportunities that stakeholders—both local and foreign—should consider:
• Cargo and cold chain logistics centers to support agricultural exports and regional trade.
• Aviation schools and training centers, benefiting from Kalibo’s safety, accessibility, and available land.
• Aircraft maintenance and hangar services with lower costs and easy access to flight routes.
• E-commerce and freight handling facilities for rising demand in provincial logistics.
• Military and disaster response base partnerships, given Kalibo’s strategic location for humanitarian logistics.

These aren’t pipe dreams—they are real, viable projects waiting for the right public-private partnerships.

The Role of Local Leadership

For these investments to materialize, the local government must lead the charge. That means:
• Pushing for the revival of national government interest in the airport.
• Engaging directly with private infrastructure players.
• Settling long-standing land ownership issues surrounding the airport.
• Crafting an economic zone or special investment area around KIA to attract and incentivize locators.

Kalibo must not just wait for investors—it must actively court them. And it can start by painting a compelling picture of what KIA can become: not just an airport, but an economic engine for the province and the region.

Not a Competitor—A Complement

Kalibo is not trying to outshine Caticlan, Cebu, or Iloilo. Instead, it must position itself as complementary to the growing aviation network. It can absorb traffic overflow, serve as a base for specialized aviation services, and be a vital cog in the country’s expanding logistics system.

There is a phrase in the aviation world: “Right airport, right purpose.” Kalibo is the right airport for the emerging needs of regional aviation—if we reimagine its purpose.

The runway is already built. The question now is whether we let this infrastructure fade—or give it the second wind it desperately deserves.

⸻

Kalibo International Airport is ready for takeoff again. What it needs is fuel from investors and the courage of leaders to chart a new flight path.