Airlines call for airport upgrades

THE Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) said the country’s lack of infrastructure, such as limited airport runway lengths, poses challenges to maintaining affordable domestic airfares.

“We welcome ongoing talks with the government initiated by DoTr (Department of Transportation) Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez. We share the goal of growing tourism and keeping people and goods moving across the country,” ACAP said in a statement on Tuesday.

In an earlier statement, the Transportation department and Civil Aeronautics Board said they are working to help lower the prices of domestic airfares, noting that among the actions being undertaken by the agencies are airport expansion and upgrades.

ACAP, which is composed of flag carrier Philippine Airlines and its regional brand PAL Express, budget carrier Cebu Pacific and its regional brand Cebgo, and AirAsia Philippines, said domestic passenger volume continued to increase with traffic now surpassing pre-pandemic level.

“Showing a healthy market that benefits local tourism. However, structural cost pressures — such as airport charges, taxes, and infrastructure limits — affect the economics of domestic flights,” it said.

Smaller airports with short runways prevent airlines from utilizing their bigger aircraft, making them operate smaller turboprop aircraft which can carry fewer passengers, ACAP said, noting that this resulted in higher costs per seat and has made it challenging to serve domestic markets and make airfares affordable.

“Fares are only part of travel costs. We welcome collaboration with the DoTr and other stakeholders on practical, long-term solutions to reduce overall costs and improve infrastructure and connectivity. Together, we can build a more resilient and affordable domestic air transport system,” ACAP said.

The Transportation department earlier said it is working to upgrade and rehabilitate provincial airports to allow them to serve jet operations as part of the agency’s plan to help lower domestic ticket prices. — Ashley Erika O. Jose