Bicol Int’l Airport is 79.74% complete after 13 years of delay

LEGAZPI CITY – After 13 years of delay, the construction of Bicol International Airport is now 79.74% complete. The project was hounded by delays that the original target date of completion was moved years further.

The project’s estimated cost is 38 million US dollars or 1.71 billion pesos for the construction of a new terminal and extension of the runway. The updated cost is now 4.7 billion pesos. It will replace when completed the Legaspi Airport. The terminal area 13,680 sqm and with an initial passenger capacity of 2,150,000 and when completed estimated to host 4,400,000 airport travelers.

Timeline of the construction

The original pre-feasibility study of the Bicol International Airport (BIA) predates back in 1996, and the Notice to Proceed for the construction of the said project was given in 2003.

However, actual construction only commenced in 2016.

Jun-2019. Philippines’ Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said he expects Bicol International Airport to be completed by Jun-2020 and to be operational shortly after completion.

Dec-2016.

13-Dec-2016. Bicol International Airport development project is scheduled to “be completed by 2019” stated contractor of the airport development project, Sunwest Construction and Development Corp owner Elizaldy Co.

05-Dec-2016. Bicol International Airport development project is scheduled to break the ground on 08-Dec-2016, according to Ako Bicol Political Party Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. The PHP4.8 billion (USD96 million) project faced multiple delays and the completnion date was pushed back from 2016 to 2017.

Sep-2016. Philippines National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approved Bicol International Airport’s expansion project. Works include construction of a new terminal with an area from 5250sqm to 13,220sqm, extend the runway from 2100m to 2500m, redesign navigation aids, security equipment and fire fighting and rescue vehicles in accordance with current standards. The airport is expected to handle 2.15 million passengers p/a by 2025 and 4.4 million passengers by 2035.

May-2016. Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) awarded Bicol International Airport PHP780 million (USD16 million) to fund phase 2A of the airport’s development project, as confirmed by Albay Governor Joey Salceda. The project is due to complete by mid-2017.

Feb-2016. Philippine’s Albay Governor Joey Salceda expressed concern with the ongoing delay of Bicol International Airport development project. The project faced various delays in regards to awarding contracts for phase 2A development works. Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) initially held a bidding in Dec-2014, however the winner for that round was disqualified. According to Salceda, the second bidding was carried held on 08-Dec-2015 but DOTC has yet to announce the results. Salceda urged DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to look into the issue.

Oct-2015. Philippines’ Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) announced Bicol International Airport will receive PHP747.4 million (USD16.26 million) from the PHP9.1 billion (USD198.68 million) 2016 state budget. The funding will go towards planned development works at the airport.

Jul-2015. Philippines’ Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is inviting interested parties to bid on a PHP1.71 billion (USD38 million) expansion project for Bicol International Airport. The DOTC is seeking qualified contractors, registered with the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to construct a 13,680sqm passenger terminal building, a runway end safety precinct and to extend the runway by approximately 500m. According to the department, the tender submission period ends on 24-Jul-2015.

May-2015. Bicol International Airport is expected to be fully operational in Jul-2017, according to Albay Governor Joey Salceda. The budgeted PHP4.7 billion (USD105 million) the airport was initially scheduled for completion in 2016, by the end of President Benigno Aquino III’s current term in 2016. However, Mr Salceda attributed wet weather to construction delays. Construction on the new airport is approximately 47% complete, according to the governor.

Dec-2014. The Philippines’ Government issued a construction tender for the new Bicol International Airport project. PHP2.1 billion (USD47 million) has already been invested in preparatory works and land acquisition programs between 2007 to 2012. Interested investors are reportedly advised to submit their bids by 21-Jan-2014.

Apr-2014. The Dept of Budget and Management approved a ‘Multi-Year Obligational Authority’ to grant the Department of Transportation additional funding to construct the new Bicol International Airport. The country’s government has invested PHP2.1 billion (USD47 million) on preparatory works and land acquisition for the new airport development from 2007 to 2012. The additional funding will assist in the completion of the new airport. The total cost of the new airport is now budgeted at PHP4.7 billion (USD105 million) and the government aims to complete the project by 2016. President Benigno Aquino III directed the country’s Dept of Transportation to complete the construction of Bicol International Airport by the end of his current term in 2016.

Jan-2014. The Albay Province Governor Joey Salceda said construction of Bicol International Airport will be delayed for four years and the airport is now likely to be complete in 2017. Source: CAPA Center for Aviation

Even with the delay and the escalating cost of the project it is guaranteed for completion for DBM is funding it through its Multi-Year Obligational Authority to the Department of Transportation for the two project packages that of Package 2A for the construction of landslide facilities and other buildings while Package 2B for the construction of PTB and runway extension, taxiway, drainage and other site development works.

When completed it will pushed the Bicol region in a development never seen before.