- Due to influx of balikbayans and tourists during
the Christmas season - New airline companies may operate soon at LIA — Estabillo
LAOAG CITY (Jan. 4) – Airport Manager Ronald Estabillo of Laoag International Airport (LIA) here disclosed to the local media that the volume of flight passengers at the LIA had increased to about 20% during the Christmas season.
Estabillo said that the increase was mainly attributed to the influx of balikbayans and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who returned home and spent a long vacation with their families and loved ones during the Yuletide holiday break.
He added that the number of foreign and local tourist flight arrivals in the province also tremendously swelled.
The airport manager noted that during the said period, incoming and outgoing flights at LIA planes were almost fully booked.
To date, the main carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) operates only two scheduled flights daily at the LIA.
Meanwhile, Estabillo announced that other airline companies may also start operation soon at the LIA to meet the demand of air travellers coming to the North.
“We are just waiting for them to finalize their operation,” Estabillo told reporters in an interview.
Another development that is being closely watched is the plan to introduce direct flights from Laoag to Clark, Pampanga.
“We hope that as we start this New Year, we will be able to maximize the use of our airport,” he said.
“Our airport is ready to accommodate the operation of these new airlines,” he said.
Last year, the major facilities at the Laoag airport were upgraded to cater to the needs of both local and foreign travellers. (IS with the report from LIA)
