Passengers at Laguindingan International Airport (LIA), Mindanao’s second-busiest gateway, are now experiencing a more seamless and comfortable journey following a series of strategic terminal layout upgrades. These enhancements, spearheaded by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Airports, mark a significant step in the company’s multi-year commitment to modernizing regional travel hubs across the Philippines.
Recognizing LIA’s critical role as the primary entry point to Northern Mindanao, AIC Airports has implemented practical, passenger-centric improvements designed to simplify navigation and reduce travel-related stress. The upgrades focus on four key areas:
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Improved Wayfinding and Accessibility: Enhanced signage and clearer pathways have been established to help travelers navigate the terminal with ease. Additionally, essential repairs to elevators have been completed to ensure better accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
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Optimized Terminal Flow: The departure and arrival layouts have been reconfigured to eliminate bottlenecks, providing a more intuitive flow from check-in to boarding.
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Enhanced Comfort: Seating areas have been optimized to maximize space and comfort for waiting passengers, while additional baggage trolleys have been deployed to assist travelers during peak hours.
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Operational Efficiency: Beyond the passenger-facing changes, AIC has serviced baggage carousels and upgraded technical systems—including fire detection and safety protocols—to ensure that the airport operates at international safety and resilience standards.
“Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure; it is about making every flight safer, every journey more reliable, and every airport experience more world-class,” said Cosette V. Canilao, President and CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital. “These improvements at Laguindingan reflect our shared vision with the government to transform provincial gateways into competitive, efficient hubs that strengthen Philippine tourism and trade.”
These layout upgrades are part of the first phase of AIC’s PHP 12.75-billion investment plan for Laguindingan International Airport. Since taking over operations in mid-2025, AIC has focused on “quick-win” projects to immediately elevate the traveler experience while preparing for larger-scale expansions. Future plans include a major terminal restructuring that will increase the airport’s annual capacity from 1.6 million to 3.9 million passengers in the coming years.
“Laguindingan is more than just a transit point; it is a gateway to the economic potential of Northern Mindanao,” added Rafael Aboitiz, AIC Vice President for Airports Business. “By instilling our signature brand of Filipino hospitality and efficiency, we are ensuring that every traveler feels the warmth and progress of the region the moment they step off the plane.”
The upgrades at LIA coincide with similar modernization efforts at Bohol-Panglao International Airport, both of which are managed under AIC’s growing aviation portfolio. Together with the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport, AIC Airports now manages gateways that account for over 20% of the Philippines’ total annual passenger traffic.
