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Ilocos Norte expects recovery in trade and logistics post-pandemic, helped along by upgrades in its airport and seaport
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The province is expanding the Laoag International Airport and the Port of Currimao
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Post-expansion, LIA will be able to accommodate A330 planes
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Opening of a Laoag-Honolulu route after expansion is also planned
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Port of Currimao is being dredged to accommodate Panamax vessels and attract back cruise ships
Ilocos Norte is confident of a recovery in trade and logistics post-pandemic, helped along by improvements in its airport and seaport.
“Slowly, (small and medium-size enterprises) are gaining business confidence and are recovering,” the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) told PortCalls in an email interview.
While Ilocos Norte is already accessible by land, air, and sea, continuous development of its seaport and airport remains crucial for the logistics sector, it said.
The expansion of Laoag International Airport (LIA) and Port of Currimao to accommodate all types of vessels is a priority, with the upgrade expected to attract more local and foreign investments.
Land acquisition for expansion of the LIA is expected to be completed by year-end, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc told PortCalls.
The province earlier secured P900 million from the national government to acquire 372 lots to expand the airport runway. This would allow LIA to accommodate planes as big as the A330 or larger, Manotoc said.
The expansion will open up the Ilocos region to international flights, seen to boost the tourism industry and bring in more investments. Already, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Philippine Airlines have committed to adding flights after the expansion, according to MINC.
The Council will also push for the opening of a Laoag-Honolulu route immediately after completion of the expansion project, provincial officials said.
There is a significant Ilocano community in Hawaii, where they make up more than 85% of the Filipino population there.
Regional flights from Hong Kong and China, among others, are also seen by the middle of the first year of expanded operations. Domestic flights are being pushed, too, including the re-opening of Cebu Pacific services.
In the cargo sector, the airport expansion will “enable LIA to accommodate cargo logistical support which will be economically beneficial to the province. This would entail expanding the runway and improving airport facilities (hangar, storage area, terminal building, etc.),” the provincial government said.
In 2022, LIA welcomed 83,762 passengers (inbound and outbound). After airport expansion, the provincial government expects 2023 passenger volumes to return to the 2019 level of 144,000.
Currimao port improvement
Meantime, Ilocos Norte is looking to expand the Port of Currimao, with construction of the breakwater ongoing.
The Philippine Ports Authority has authorized expanded dredging beyond the originally approved draft of 80 meters long and 11 meters deep to allow for docking of Panamax vessels. Dredging is expected to be completed by March.
Resumption of cruise calls at the port is also eyed. The provincial government said, “New investments continue to be introduced at our port for its improvement and we’re working closely with our partners like the DOT (Department of Tourism) to make Ilocos Norte still the top choice among cruise lines coming north.” – Sel Guevara
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