BAGUIO City Representative Mark Go will push for the resumption of flights at the Loakan Airport.
Go said this will be taken up during a meeting among members of the committee on transportation, the Department of Transportation and Railways and airlines.
The congressman, during the Clark North Philippines Roadshow last week, said meetings with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Jetstar will be set to study the viability of the carriers to resume flights in the city airport.
“We need flights not only to Manila but also to Cebu, Davao, Iloilo to have easier access to areas,” said Go.
In a related move, Vice Mayor Edison Bilog is supporting moves of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to assess the re-opening of flights in the city.
“The re-opening of Loakan Airport would provide numerous benefits for the city in terms of the medical emergency situations of residents, tourism and business opportunities and would also open doors to the possibility of having direct flights to Boracay, Cebu and other tourist spots in the Philippines,” Bilog said.
Bilog added the people of Baguio has expressed their desire for the reopening of the Loakan Airport as it has been the fastest access route to the city and was beneficial to residents.
In a resolution, the vice mayor backed plans of the CAAP and National Economic and Development Authority in its plans for the airport.
At present, the airport is undergoing inspection by an aeronautical team from CAAP.
Loakan Airport is classified as a Class 2 principal (minor domestic) airport by the CAAP.
Built in 1934, it is described to have a short runway, frequent low visibility and dilapidated structures along with deep ravines on both ends of the runway continue to challenge commercial operation at the airport.
In 2011, resumption of flights came when Sky Pasada flights to Baguio connected the highland town to Manila, Tuguegarao and Batanes twice a week.
However, hurdles in weather, low bookings faced the company, forcing them to pullout and stop operations in 2012.