ABOITIZ InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz group, said it is positive about exceeding the 16.7-million passenger arrivals target set for the airports in its portfolio, even in the face of the fuel crisis that has dampened travel.
“I think it’s going to be a bit higher,” AIC President and Chief Executive Officer Cosette V. Canilao told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday.
“The first four months of this year were really strong, but because of the prolonged war, there’s a bit of an impact,” she said.
AIC operates Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Laguindingan International Airport in northern Mindanao, and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
“Out of the three airports that we have, I think Bohol is suffering from the AirAsia’s reduction of flights,” Ms. Canilao said.
AirAsia voluntarily terminated its Bohol operations, including its Manila to Panglao route, effective Oct. 1, pending broader network and scheduling adjustments.
Air travel costs have risen due to the volatility of fuel prices and the effect of the fighting in the Middle East.
Ms. Canilao said the company is optimistic about passenger traffic in November and December due to holiday-related travel. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz