THE Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) has clarified that there are no commercial flights yet to the Bantayan Airport.

This, after four maiden flights carrying participants of Suroy-Suroy Sugbo SMB (Sta. Fe, Madridejos, Bantayan) Escapade landed at the improved airport on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.

MCIAA General Manager Steve Dicdican said those flights were only intended to promote the reopening of tourism in Bantayan Island.

“Dili pa na sya inaugural flight. It was really to promote travel in the new tourism normal,” said Dicdican.

Dicdican said construction works have to be completed first before the airport can begin accepting commercial flights.

“The inauguration will come in a later date once the construction is completed,” he said in a mix of Cebuano and English.

The airport, which has a 1.2-kilometer runway that can accommodate turboprop planes, will be operated by the MCIAA.

Suroy-Suroy Sugbo SMB Escapade started on Friday. The three towns of Bantayan Island had their own welcome ceremony for participants where they showcased their culture and local delicacies.

The event is in line with the efforts of the Cebu Provincial Government, the MCIAA and Department of Tourism 7 to revive the tourism industry amid the coronavirus disease pandemic. (NDT)