Kalibo, Aklan (December 15, 2022) — The Aklan provincial board opposed international flights at the airport closest to the world-class Boracay island over economic and congestion concerns.
Aklan has two airports — the main gateway Kalibo International Airport (KIA) in the capital town Kalibo, and the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (GPRA) in Caticlan nearer to Boracay, which caters to domestic flights.
The sangguniang panlalawigan (provincial board) stated in Resolution 2022-289 that allowing international flights at the GPRA will have a negative impact on Aklan’s economy, particularly tourism, is it will displace businesses like hotels, transportation services, and restaurants.
It added this will result in congestion in the smaller airport, denying the main import of income to fund development project on KIA.
“The opening of international flights at the GPRA will likewise derail the attainment of the provincial government of Aklan’s long-term plan for the holistic, balanced and inclusive growth of its local economy by strengthening the economic activities and the development of tourism within mainland Aklan,” according to the sangguniang panlalawigan.
As of Nov. 30, 2022, GPRA recorded 925,741 passenger arrivals in contrast to KIA with only 239,824 domestic and 40,862 international passenger arrivals.
