BETTER economic prospects await Baguio City anew once the possible opening of the Loakan Airport to domestic flights from Manila to Baguio and vice versa.
This, aside from the decrease in the volume of vehicles coming to the city which adds to the traffic problem in Baguio particularly during long weekends which tourists and visitors take advantage off.
Department of Tourism (DOT)-Cordillera officer-in-charge Jovita Ganongon said once Loakan Airport would be opened to domestic commercial flights, a decrease in the number of vehicles going to Baguio maybe felt, and which would help decrease the volume of traffic in the city.
“DOT-CAR is presently conducting talks with a travel agency to look into the potentials of having a domestic commercial flights operate at Loakan Airport coming from Manila,” Ganongon explained.
Tourism Promotions Board chief executive officer Venus Tan stated with the possible opening of Loakan Airport to domestic flights, the travel time of tourists and visitors would be easier.
According to earlier reports, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are now coordinating with each other for the modernization of Loakan Airport landing system, facilities and equipment prior to its possible resumption of its operations.
Earlier, the Baguio City Council have passed and approved a resolution informing CAAP and Neda of its commitment on the opening of Loakan Airport to domestic commercial flight operations.
Baguio City Representative Mark Go in June this year have earlier pushed for the resumption of flights.
The solon said this will be taken up during a meeting among members of the committee on transportation, the Department of Transportation, Railways, and airline companies.
Go, during the recent Clark North Philippines Roadshow, said meetings with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Jetstar have been 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 the solon.