The transfer of the operations and maintenance (O&M) for the Iloilo International Airport to a private company “will be set in motion soon,” according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The privatization of the airport in the town of Cabatuan is part of the government’s efforts to improve efficiency at key transportation hubs.

“We are looking at privatizing Iloilo and Puerto Princesa airports next year,” DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said in a statement.

Currently, the Iloilo International Airport handles at least 70 domestic and international flights daily. Its passenger volume rose to 2.27 million last year from 340,000 in 2021.

Based on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center website, Villar-led Prime Asset Ventures, Inc. holds the original proponent status for the P14.7-billion airport in the town of Cabatuan, Iloilo province.

Last month, DOTr awarded Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. the contract to construct and operate the Bohol-Panglao International Airport with a total project cost of P4.52 billion.IMT