...
Blog
Progress on Sangley Airport Development in the Philippines

Progress on Sangley Airport Development in the Philippines

Alexandra Dimitriou, GetBoat.com
by 
Alexandra Dimitriou, GetBoat.com
4 minutes read
News
August 13, 2025

A New Wave of Development for the Philippines

The enhancement of the Sangley Point International Airport is set to tackle the congestion issues at Metro Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). With Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. urging agencies to expedite its development, this project represents a significant move towards streamlining air travel in the region.

Speeding Up Progress

President Marcos’s instruction for swift development was announced during his visit to India, particularly in discussions with executives from the GMR Group, a major player in the infrastructure sector. This group has partnered with the Sangley Aerocity Project and is in charge of developing both the airport and the surrounding aerotropolis at the site of the former Sangley Point Air Base. The GMR Group is also considering bids for regional airport expansions throughout the Philippines.

Anticipating a Busy Future

Once the Sangley Point International Airport becomes operational, it will accommodate additional air traffic, thereby supporting the need for air travel in the densely populated areas of Metro Manila. The vision is that, within a short timeframe, the airport will offer a new runway, enhancing capacity to serve an extra 20 million passengers, facilitating smoother travel experiences for locals and international visitors alike.

Support from Local Authorities

Local stakeholders, including Jonvic Remulla, who serves as the secretary of the interior and a former governor of Cavite province, have hailed the President’s directive as a positive stride towards establishing Sangley Airport as a supplementary hub. Emphasizing the importance of the initiative, Remulla noted that making air travel less congested at NAIA will ultimately draw more foreign tourists and improve comfort for domestic travelers.

A Focused Initiative

The President is committed to ensuring full support from relevant agencies to keep the project on track for completion. This concerted effort aims to alleviate the current challenges faced by travelers in the region.

A Historical Context

The Sangley Airport project has roots in a public-private partnership spearheaded by the provincial government of Cavite, allowing for collaboration between public and private sectors, which has become increasingly significant in modern infrastructure projects. Recently, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) approved a joint venture aimed at developing this key transport hub, viewing the cooperative model as a means to foster competition without significantly hindering market players.

Investment and Growth Potential

Over the years, the initiative has garnered significant investment, with estimates placing the development costs of the airport around US$11 billion. This substantial figure reflects not just the economic stakes but also highlights the broader tourism potential tied into the development of key transport infrastructures like the Sangley Point International Airport.

The Bigger Picture: Tourism Outlook

With efficient air travel becoming a corner-stone of international tourism, the development of the Sangley Airport aligns with global trends that show increasing travel demand. As local and international tourism tie more closely with air travel infrastructure, such developments can influence destinations’ attractiveness. Similarly, the anticipated boost in region-wide air traffic could serve as a catalyst for supporting maritime tourism activities, including sailing and yacht charters, in nearby coastal regions.

Looking Ahead

The establishment of Sangley Airport is a promising move for the Philippines, projecting a more accessible gateway for travelers while having the downstream effect of nurturing the overall tourism sector. As the airport continues on its transformative journey, it will inevitably play a role in shaping tourism strategies ripe for exploration and growth.

For those envisioning a nautical adventure in the islands, where sailing and boat rentals can offer unparalleled experiences on crisp, clear waters, the Prime Minister’s push for airport development signals a bright horizon for maritime tourism. GetBoat.com stands ready to assist travelers looking to navigate these waters, offering fantastic options to make the most of their time exploring the vibrant Philippine archipelago. With this airport poised to enhance connectivity, the charm of sailing may soon be easier to access for many adventurers.