Passengers and observers have reported no substantial upgrades or new features at Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA) since Aboitiz InfraCapital took over operations in June 2025, despite high expectations for improvements at the international gateway.
The airport, previously managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), transitioned to Aboitiz InfraCapital under a public-private partnership aimed at enhancing infrastructure and services.
BPIA, which opened in 2018, serves as a air hub for tourism in Bohol.
The airport handles both domestic and international flights, connecting Bohol to destinations like Manila, Cebu, and select international routes.
Passengers last week noted that the airport’s facilities and services remain largely unchanged from CAAP’s tenure.
“It’s the same as before,” said one traveler, echoing sentiments shared by others who expected visible improvements following the operator transition.
Amid these observations, some passengers criticized the terminal fees mandated by CAAP, calling them unjustified given the lack of enhancements.
Terminal fee is increased to P350 for domestic travelers and P700 for internarional passengers.
Observers are urging Aboitiz InfraCapital to introduce new features, such as improved passenger amenities, expanded retail options, or enhanced operational efficiency, to align with BPIA’s status as an international airport.
Aboitiz InfraCapital has not publicly responded to the issues but is expected to outline plans for future developments.
The company’s takeover is part of the government’s push to modernize Philippine airports, with BPIA seen as a critical asset for boosting tourism and economic growth in Central Visayas.
Observers continue to call for tangible improvements to justify both the airport’s international designation and its terminal fees, citing the need for swift action to meet passenger expectations.
PHOTO FROM: INTERNET