Kalibo airport braces for more tourists and flights
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Expect more tourists to visit the province of Aklan with the onset of Semana Santa and the opening of additional chartered flights from regional destinations.
Tourism officials are pushing for more chartered flights to and from Kalibo airport from regional destinations, especially from Southeast Asia, mainland China and Korea, to enhance the status of Boracay Island as the country’s top beach destination.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Kalibo airport manager Engr. Percy Malonesio said Boracay-bound passengers entering the Kalibo International Airport also increased during holiday weekends like Semana Santa and summer season.
“By April 2, the Philippine Airlines will also cater Hongkong tourists and businessmen through its chartered Hongkong – Kalibo regional flight. The new service air route from the former Crown Colony will further boost the tourism industry of the province and Boracay Island,” he said.
Most tourists flying the Hongkong-Kalibo route are leisure travelers and are eager to enjoy the white sand beaches, dive sites and nightlife of Boracay Island. The paradise island is also a common destination for Koreans and Taiwanese, most of them, established restaurants, dive shops and sea sports business.

As tourists flocked to the province of Aklan, the budget carrier Cebu Pacific offered six domestic flights daily, Zest Air with three daily flights and flag carrier Philippine Airlines has six regular flights at the Kalibo International Airport. Regional flights from Incheon, South Korea to Kalibo International Airport are also serviced by Zest Air with four weekly flights, China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines added two flights a week.
Malonesio said ‘Oplan Kalakbay’ directive of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) is also implemented in the Kalibo airport to maintain peace and order, ensure the safety of passengers and secure the facilities of the airport.