Kalibo’s Economy Suffers as Flights Dwindle, Airfares Soar

By: Guillermo Sumbiling

Kalibo International Airport, once among the top three busiest gateways in the Philippines, is facing a steep decline—now operating only five flights a day. The result: rising airfares, shuttered businesses, and growing calls for government intervention.

Of the remaining flights, just one is international—serving South Korea—while the others are domestic routes to Manila. In contrast, the nearby Caticlan Airport now handles 37 daily flights, making it one of the busiest provincial airports in the country, largely due to the steady influx of Boracay-bound tourists.

The reduction in Kalibo’s air service, particularly the pullout of Philippine Airlines (PAL) from the route, has had a ripple effect on the local economy. Business closures, lower tourist foot traffic in Kalibo town, and a surge in travel costs are hitting residents and small enterprises alike.

Booking a roundtrip flight from Kalibo to Manila one week in advance already costs up to 70% more than flying out of Caticlan. Compared to Roxas City, it’s 43% more expensive, and nearly double the price of flying from Iloilo International Airport, located 170 kilometers away. The difference becomes even starker for those who need emergency or next-day travel, where prices spike significantly higher.

“It’s becoming one of the most expensive short-haul flights in the country,” said a Kalibo-based travel agent. “The cost makes it harder for locals to access urgent business or medical travel to Manila.”

For many, the timing couldn’t be worse. Kalibo’s capital town status depends on steady movement of people and commerce. With fewer flights and higher fares, mobility is becoming a privilege, not a standard.

Stakeholders call for action

Local stakeholders are now pushing for the Department of Transportation and Civil Aeronautics Board to review Kalibo’s aviation situation. Suggestions include route subsidies, re-engagement with airline carriers, and policies that could help bring back lost traffic to Kalibo.

“The infrastructure is already in place. The airport can handle more flights,” said a municipal official who asked not to be named. “We just need support to restore connectivity—and with it, economic life in the capital town.”

Industry observers say the case of Kalibo reveals a broader structural issue: the imbalance between tourism-oriented airport development and maintaining access to regional centers for locals. The fear is that without corrective policy, Kalibo’s relevance may continue to erode, leaving the provincial capital lagging behind.