Clark airport expects to handle 2.4 million passengers

Clark International Airport has lowered its passenger projection for 2024 from the initial 3.3 million target to just 2.4 million, according to a report by ABS-CBN.

This is despite the rising demand for travel post-pandemic.

Noel Manankil, President and CEO of private operator Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD Corp.) said its biggest challenge is the global issue on the lack of airplane spare-parts which has forced airlines to reduce frequencies on some flights.

“The issues of the engines, availability of MRO [maintenance repair and operations]. We had to recalibrate the projections for this year…. Yung realities kasi na issue sa mga MRO sa mga airlines, that’s actually the single biggest factor thats affecting the speed of recovery,” he said.

Because of the issue affecting commercial airlines, Clark is now eyeing to become a logistics hub in the region. 

It is in talks with logistics company to either set up or expand existing operations. United Parcel Service (UPS) of the United States has recently announced expansion plans at Clark.

But Manankil is still optimistic commercial airlines will add more frequencies soon. 

Boutique carrier Sunlight Air, meanwhile, has now moved its hub from Manila to Clark starting April 1, 2024. And soon at least 2 other airlines may add Clark as their new destination.

“With the support of BCDA, for certain minimum requirements, we actually incentivized some of the flight-related charges. It’s also one of the ways we are encouraging the airlines to try to look at Clark,” Manankil said on what they are doing to attract more airlines.

He is also unfazed amid the rehabilitation of NAIA and the construction of the nearby Bulacan airport. He said Clark has its own unique catchment area.

Clark hit nearly 2 million passengers in 2023, still lower than pre-pandemic’s 4 million. The new terminal can accommodate 8 million passengers and is already fitted for 4 million. 

Manankil said they are ready any time to expand the airport if demand suddenly increases. 

Clark International Airport currently flies to many destinations including Seoul, Dubai, Doha, Taipei, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as domestic destinations like Cebu, Iloilo, Caticlan, Busuanga, El Nido and Siargao.