LUZON International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp., the operator of Clark International Airport, has revised its passenger volume projection upward for 2025, citing anticipated traffic growth after the transfer of turboprop operations from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“We now have some indication that there will likely be a shift after we revise the projections. Initially, our goal for passenger volume this yr was three million, but with the transfer of turboprops, we are actually taking a look at 3.3 million to three.4 million,” LIPAD Chief Executive Officer Noel F. Manankil told reporters on Thursday.
LIPAD consists of Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings, Inc., Philippine Airport Ground Support Services, Inc., and Changi Airports Philippines (I) Pte. Ltd., an entirely owned subsidiary of Changi Airports International.
The Department of Transportation (DoTr), through the Manila Slot Coordination Committee, recently issued a resolution mandating the relocation of turboprop operations from NAIA.
“We’re observing key triggers related to traffic volume, which guide us in decisions about capability constructing,” Mr. Manankil said.
In 2024, Clark International Airport reported a complete of two.4 million passengers, marking a 20% increase from its 2023 passenger count.
LIPAD attributed the expansion to international passengers, who accounted for 65% of the full volume, while domestic passengers comprised 35%.
Mr. Manankil said LIPAD is further evaluating capability expansion, including potential airport fit-outs.
“If we reach a certain traffic volume threshold, it’ll signal the necessity to further increase capability,” Mr. Manankil said.
Budget carrier Cebu Pacific will begin the gradual relocation of its turboprop operations on March 30.
By October next yr, all turboprop aircraft operating at NAIA are expected to be relocated to other airports, Mr. Manankil said.
In response, LIPAD is assessing the opportunity of deploying additional capability at Clark, which currently has a built capability of 4 million passengers annually.
Mr. Manankil noted that the airport’s capability could be scaled as much as eight million passengers through fit-outs.
“We’re closely monitoring the turboprop situation. If sustained, we are going to discover the triggers for further capability expansion,” he said.
In the course of the peak season, Clark International Airport recorded a median of 10,000 to 12,000 passengers per day.
Currently, the day by day passenger average has stabilized at 9,500. Mr. Manankil added that LIPAD expects a further 700 day by day passengers once turboprop operations are fully transitioned.
LIPAD also anticipates weekly flight movements at Clark Airport to extend to 269 from the present 237 by March 30. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
