CAAP begins expansion of GenSan airport

GENERAL SANTOS CITY- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has begun the expansion of the city’s airport in a bid to upgrade its facilities and make it at par with international standards.

Engr. Rex Obcena, local airport manager, said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) had allocated some R1 billion for the expansion of the airport facilities here including the construction of an airport terminal building and navigational aids and other amenities of the airport.

He said the construction started last month which covered the renovation of the main building and expansion of the front ramp.

“Construction works for the upgrading of the airport commenced without disrupting the operation of the airport,” Obcena said.

The airport official gave a briefing on Tuesday to members of the City Council on the status of the renovation of the city’s airport and upgrading of its navigational aids amid public clamor for the improvement of the city’s airport facilities.

Local officials here had earlier asked the DOTr to provide funds for the upgrading of the city’s airport which was constructed in 1992.

Obcena said the upgrading of the airport is expected to be completed by 2019.

Once the face-lifting of the airport is completed, Obcena said the city’s airport can accommodate international and evening flight schedules.

Obcena said some airline companies had already committed to open flights from the city to international destinations within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“We hope to invite international airline companies to open routes in Gensan once our city airport is upgraded to international standards,” Obcena said.