Aerial view of the Loakan Airport. Image by Flying in Crosswinds

Baguio officials seek for the re-opening of commercial flights at the Loakan Airport, the only airport in the Cordillera Region. Seen to boost the tourism industry in the City, the Loakan Airport modernization project may cost P500 million.

Built way back in 1934, why can't the airport attract commercial flights? Commercial airlines ceased operations due to the following reasons: safety reasons, costly airfare, and lack of demand.

Thick clouds and fog covering the runway make flying difficult. With the northern terrains and ravines on both ends of the runway and dilapidated structures, airline companies fear for the safety of the pilots and passengers especially in erratic weather conditions.


History recalls some unfortunate cases associated with the airport. One notable case is the death of 50 people when the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Flight 206 bound to Baguio crashed into the slopes of Mt. Ugo in 1987.

What are the measures taken to address this concern? In a report of SunStar in December 2018, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) worked together to improve the landing system, facilities and equipment to attract more airline companies.

With PAL signifying its interest in re-opening the airport, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, cited in another report of SunStar,  believes in the feasibility of the proposed rehabilitation.  The chief economist adds, "Its operation is considered to be critical in improving the growth of the local tourism industry due to the airports strategic location in the country's undisputed summer capital."

Aside from the safety, lack of demand and costly airfare forced the airline companies to cease operations. Observers say that the completion of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx), which has lessened Baguio-Manila travel time from 6 hours to 4 hours, might affect the demand.

But Tourism Promotions Board chief executive Venus Tan offers a different view. She says the resumption of Baguio flights would result to even lesser travel time and lesser traffic in Baguio City.

Pernia, in an Inquirer report, says that if one flight a day could cover CAAP's operational expenses, two or more flights would bring CAAP an income to be used for further improvements.

He also added that apart from Baguio to Manila trip and vice versa, trips to Clark International Airport, Boracay, Batanes, and other destinations are also possible.

The airport runway stretches 1.8 kilometers long and 35 meters wide fit for propeller-drive planes. Several airline companies had flown to Baguio. PAL closed its operation in Baguio in 1998. Asian Spirit came next but eventually closed in 2008. Sky Pasada also gambled but also closed in 2011.