Aboitiz Airports Target Growth with New Asian Routes

MANILA, Philippines — Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) is leaning on new routes across Asia to sustain growth at its three airports in 2026, as the operator braces for the lean travel season that could be compounded by headwinds from the war-driven fuel crisis. AIC president and CEO Cosette Canilao said inbound international travel had remained largely resilient despite the fuel crisis, with passenger traffic across Aboitiz-run airports still posting double-digit growth. READ: Aboitiz adds personnel to oversee vehicle flow at Laguindingan Airport “When the (Iran) war erupted, our projections were very dire. But we are pleasantly surprised that it’s not as dire as we thought it would be,” Canilao told reporters. “There’s interest, and we’re tapping nearby markets.” Canila said that during the lean travel season, which typically runs through the third quarter, AIC is still aiming for the passenger traffic to grow. AIC operates Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) and Laguindingan International Airport (LIA). To sustain that momentum, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group is working with airlines to develop new routes, particularly to short-haul destinations in Asia. Canilao identified China, Vietnam and Taiwan among the markets that could drive future growth. China, in particular, has delivered growth for its Cebu gateway, one of only two airports where Chinese travelers may avail of the Philippines’ 14-day visa-free transit arrangement. READ: Aboitiz pours ₱231 million into Mactan airport upgrades The privilege is also available at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, although Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay earlier said the government was looking to expand the arrangement to other gateways, including Clark, Caticlan, Palawan and Bohol. Last March, AIC also welcomed the resumption of direct Cebu-Quanzhou flights by XiamenAir, which the airport operator sees supporting efforts to capture more travelers from the large Chinese market. Beyond international traffic, Canilao said the Philippines must also do more to stimulate domestic tourism, particularly as competition for travelers intensifies across the region. AIC is looking at concert tourism and closer coordination among local governments, airlines and hotel operators to make Philippine destinations more attractive and commercially viable. AIC’s three airports handled a combined 16.17 million passengers in 2025. MCIA accounted for 11.6 million, up nearly 3 percent from 11.3 million in 2024. LIA and BPIA handled 2.35 million and 2.22 million passengers, respectively. INQ