The proposed construction of a new airport in Northern Samar has advanced to its initial preparation stage following the opening of bidding for consulting services, the provincial government said Wednesday, September 16.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) procurement covers key studies and planning activities for the proposed facility, including a feasibility study and master plan, an environmental and social impact assessment, and a Land Acquisition and Resettlement Action Plan.
The proposed airport site is in Pambujan, around 37 kilometers east of Catarman, the provincial capital.
“The proposed project comes as Northern Samar faces growing transportation and economic demands and as the existing Catarman Airport continues to operate within physical and capacity limitations,” the provincial government of Northern Samar stated.
The consultancy work is expected to provide the technical and other assessments needed to determine the project’s feasibility, environmental and social implications, and land requirements.
“If pursued, the proposed airport would be intended to address the capacity and aircraft limitations of the existing Catarman Airport, while providing infrastructure that can accommodate greater passenger volumes and future expansion,” the provincial government added.
According to the provincial government, the existing Catarman Airport has a 1,600-meter runway and a passenger terminal originally designed to handle up to 80 passengers at a time. It can also accommodate two turboprop aircraft simultaneously.
“These limitations restrict the size and type of aircraft that can operate at the facility, consequently limiting the airport’s capacity to handle a larger volume of passengers,” the statement said.
A previous assessment also cited Philippine Airlines’ view that developing a larger airport capable of handling bigger aircraft could increase passenger capacity while improving fuel efficiency.
The provincial government said such improvements could provide airlines with more flexibility in setting fares, including the possibility of offering promotional rates.
The opening of the consulting-services procurement marks an important step in determining whether the proposed New Northern Samar Airport can proceed and what requirements would need to be addressed before its development.