PAL To Fly Antique In December

5 October 2018

Philippine Airlines low cost subsidiary PAL Express will fly San Jose airport in Antique beginning December of this year thrice a week from Clark using Q400NG aircraft. Probing flight is tentatively set on Oct. 28.



The resumption of flight takes place after the Transport Ministry (DOTr) closure of the airport for necessary runway upgrade works. The agency has set aside P140 million for repair and upgrade of airport infrastructures to support commercial flights. P40 million of this fund has been set aside for runway overlay of the airport’s 1.2km runway for smoother landing and take-off.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has already completed the set up of the terminal and airport security, provided technical and ground maintenance works, and assisted PAL in preparation for its administrative office.

The airport service commercial flights from April 2003 until June 30, 2006 when Asian Spirit (now AirAsia Philippines) finally left the airport due to dwindling traffic.

Airport Manager Martin T. Terre said airport statistics showed an average of 80 passengers per flight. The passenger volume, however, dwindled to six at its last flight in 2006, mainly attributed to a much lower airfare offered by airlines serving Iloilo airport where multiple domestic airlines serves to and from Manila as compared to that from San Jose de Buenavista, Antique's capital.

Terre said the people preferred the lower airfare and multiple connections offered from Iloilo which is three hours away travel time than paying high fare for direct flight.