4 March 2025, Pasay City - Following the successful site inspection of the Casiguran Airport located within the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) hosted delegates of APECO to develop a roadmap for improvements and to discuss operational plans for the development of the Casiguran Airport. APECO reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the concerns raised by CAAP in its safety inspection report and ensured that the airport will meet safety, regulatory, and operational standards.
In pursuit of the immediate use of the airport, APECO applied for a Permit to Operate (PTO) from CAAP. Since their last meeting, APECO has outlined a series of infrastructure improvements arising from the initial inspection. Immediate upgrades include runway and taxiway markings, perimeter fencing improvements, drainage canal development, vegetation clearing, and the construction of a control tower. These developments will enable APECO’s plan to accommodate larger commercial aircrafts such as A320 And C130 planes which will improve the economic zone’s impact for regional economic development.
Moving forward, APECO and CAAP are drafting a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will outline the roles and responsibilities of both parties. The MOA will formalize the collaboration between APECO and CAAP in managing and operating the Casiguran Airport. This agreement aims to streamline operations and establish clear responsibilities to ensure the efficient and compliant management of the facility.
At the end of the meeting, both APECO and CAAP expressed a shared commitment to ensuring Casiguran Airport’s operational readiness and compliance in the immediate future. Through continuous dialogue, both organizations aim to enhance the airport’s capabilities and support its role in fostering economic growth in Aurora.
The next step would be a secondary site visit to the Casiguran Airport will be scheduled for ADMS and the Aerodrome and Air Navigation Service Oversight Office (AANSOO) of CAAP.
Below are the findings of the Safety Inspection Report of CAAP during the 18-19 February 2025 Casiguran Airport Site Inspection:
