Airport improvements to enhance Aklan’s tourism, says CAAP
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – To promote Aklan as an international gateway, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is pushing for more airport improvements at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA).
CAAP director general Ramon Gutierrez said KIA is one of the international airports identified in the pocket open skies policy of the Aquino administration.
“The improvements in security and safety will enhance and promote KIA as an alternative international airport. We are anticipating in the years ahead the influx of tourists from mainland China to Kalibo and other regional destinations,” he said over DyRU Super Radyo.
Gutierrez, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1978 and an Asian Institute of Management (AIM) masteral graduate, replaced former CAAP head Alfonso Cusi last December.
KIA manager Engr. Percy Malonesio said KIA is the first secondary airport hub outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) visited by Gutierrez on Monday.
“CAAP head Gutierrez is in high spirits owing to the increasing number of inbound travellers from other countries. Among his priorities are the safety and security of the passengers and facilities of the Kalibo airport,” he stressed.

Malonesio is also hopeful the agency could deal with the lack of security personnel. KIA is now operating 24/7 due to international flights from South Korea and Taiwan for Boracay, he added.

“Even though we are short of personnel, we prioritized the safety of the travellers. The airport authority is doing everything it can to address the concerns of all who use the KIA,” Malonesio concluded.

Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores, chairman of the House committee on tourism, also personally appealed to Gutierrez to upgrade the facilities of KIA noting the expected swell of tourists in the province of Aklan.

The congested airport terminal building, lack of adequate provision of safety facilities and the renovation and development of old passenger terminal were discussed during the meeting of Miraflores and CAAP.

“The heavy rush of foreign and domestic tourists resulted to congestion in the new terminal building. Gutierrez has assured us of the additional funding to be able to finish the renovation of the old terminal building and thereby accommodate expanding passenger traffic,” the solon said.