THE BAGUIO City government is preparing to demolish about 100 structures within the declared buffer zone of the Loakan Airport in line with its planned reopening for commercial operations. Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, in a statement, said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) provided the buffer zone map where structures that obstruct the flight path have been built. He said “appropriate notices” will be sent to owners for the voluntarily demolition of their structures, or allow the city government to carry it out. The city government sought the turnover of the airport’s management and operation from the Department of Transportation (DoTR) and CAAP, and has been in talks with San Miguel Corp. for the project.

The airport at the popular mountain destination was closed about 10 years ago due to safety issues. It was being eyed as an expansion area for the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, but the local government and tourism stakeholders opposed the conversion plan.

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