Following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make air travel more affordable, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is rolling out a comprehensive strategy to lower domestic airfares through infrastructure upgrades and increased flight frequency.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that the DOTr is now requiring all regional and provincial airport runways to meet a minimum length of 2,100 meters. This expansion is designed to accommodate larger jet aircraft, which offer higher seating capacities and better fuel efficiency, ultimately leading to lower ticket prices. “Our policy at the DOTr for all new and existing airports is a minimum runway length of 2,100 meters. This ensures our facilities are ready for bigger aircraft,” Sec. Lopez stated, noting that only airports with extreme topographical constraints will be exempt.
To further drive down costs, the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are prioritizing the “night-rating” of tourist-heavy airports. By installing necessary lighting and navigation systems, airports can operate beyond daylight hours.
-
Increased Supply: More available flight slots throughout a 24-hour cycle.
-
Red-Eye Savings: Night and early-morning flights typically offer significantly lower fares compared to peak-hour daytime slots.
-
Tourist Focus: Destinations like Siargao are being prioritized to encourage a steady flow of visitors.
Beyond aviation, the DOTr is leveraging maritime infrastructure to provide budget-friendly options. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has recently completed a cruise terminal in Siargao, allowing vessels like 2GO to dock.
While the journey takes approximately 28 hours, the Secretary highlighted it as a high-comfort, low-cost alternative. “It’s like a cruise vessel experience for only ₱3,500,” Lopez added.
| Initiative | Primary Goal | Current Status |
| Runway Expansion | Accommodate larger jets | Ongoing (2,100m minimum) |
| Night-Rating | Enable “Red-Eye” flights | Prioritizing tourist hubs |
| Maritime Options | ₱3,500 cruise-style ferry | Terminal operational in Siargao |
| Fee Review | Lowering CAAP terminal fees | Under technical review |
The Secretary continues to engage with major carriers like Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific to stabilize pricing. Following previous negotiations, one-way fares to Siargao have seen reductions from highs of ₱17,500 down to more competitive rates.
Furthermore, the DOTr and CAAP are currently conducting a formal study to determine if airport terminal fees can be further reduced to provide immediate financial relief to passengers.
