Upgraded Zamboanga airport ready for international operations
THE TRANSPORTATION department said Wednesday that the upgraded Zamboanga International Airport will soon cater to flights to and from Southeast Asian destinations.
“The airport may start international flight expansion and kick off its international operations with the approval of Zamboanga-Kuala Lumpur flights by its Malaysian counterpart,” the department said in a statement.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the airport, with its upgraded terminal building, is now “ready” for international operations.
“It has long been prepared for this,” he said.
The department is also awaiting the proposal of Philippine Airlines, Inc. for an international flight accommodation with other neighboring countries.
“Zamboanga International Airport development projects include the expansion of its runway, apron and taxiway,” Mr. Tugade said.
Meanwhile, the department also announced Wednesday that its proposed P151.34-billion budget for 2022 has been approved by the House of Representatives plenary.
The department said it previously presented before the House Committee on Appropriations that the railway sector was allotted the biggest portion or 98% of the total infrastructure budget for 2022.
“Infrastructure projects, meanwhile, get an 88% share of the total capital outlays budget,” it said.
Of the department’s 2022 proposed budget, P150.763 billion needs to be included in the 2022 General Appropriations Act, while P579.8 million are already covered by existing appropriations previously authorized by Congress, it noted. — Arjay L. Balinbin
