17/365: When In Iloilo: The Iloilo International Airport

One of the thing that I like most in Iloilo is its airport!  It is clean, spacious and modern.  Probably because it's still new .  It is just about about six years in operation starting in 2007 when it replaced the old domestic airport in Mandurriao.

It is approximately 30 minutes (19 km ) away from the city proper and is  located between the boundaries of Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara towns. So if you landed on this airport it is just like that you already visited these two towns.  Mind you both these towns have their own histories to share. 

Major local airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific PAL Express, Tiger air and Air Asia Zest are servicing domestic flights on this airport for routes to and from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos City, Puerto Princesa and Tacloban.   Flight to Singapore and Hong Kong are also available on this airport.

There are several options that you can choose in going to and from the airport such as taxi , jeep and shuttle service (L300 van).  If you are travelling alone or just two people I highly recommend the shuttle service because it is comfortable and affordable - around PhP50-Php75.00 ($1.19 – $1.79) per person compared to paying a taxi that usually charged a fixed price (not by taxi meter)  of PhP350-Php400 ($8.33 – $9.52).

The shuttle service pick-up point from the city is at SM City Iloilo Mall and at the Jaro District Plaza.  You just need to allot an extra time based on your flight schedule because the driver won’t leave unless the shuttle is  full.

Here are some more amenities of this modern airport.

It has 12,000 sqm. passenger terminal for arriving and departing passengers, 10 check-in counters with individual weighing and conveyors from check-in to baggage loading.  



Handicapped friendly in all areas.

Photo taken coming out of the bridge going to the exit – so roomy and spacious

Baggage claim area t the ground floor accessible from the second floor with two units of 51 meters conveyor.   There’s also modern flight information displays, security cameras and six x-ray machines.



There’s a separate waiting area for arrival and departure well wishers.

This photo taken at one of the coffee shop at the arrival area

There are lounges and VIP room, smoking room, shops, and all other counters for travellers such as phone, bookings and rentals.

This photo is taken at the arrival area  lounge

Photo take at the spacious parking area that has 414 vehicle slots with tollbooth, driver’s lounge and restrooms.

Main entrance and exit – spacious!  Doorways and toilet facilities are automated. 

Photo taken just outside the arrival area’s coffee shop overlooking the hangar.

Photo taken at the pre-departure area at  the 3rd floor. I love the glass panes designed with Iloilo’s historical churches.

There are 3 units of passenger boarding bridges that are accessible through a separated gang-way one each for departing and arriving passengers.

Photo taken at the departure area overlooking the runway.

The Iloilo International Airport is also equipped with 2.5 km x 45m runway that can accommodate Airbus 330 and 340 and Boeing 747 planes.  It can accommodate 6 planes at one time.   It has 3 kilometers access road with landscaped center islands.  It has 9-storey 35 meters structure control tower.

It is considered as one of the most modern airport in the Philippines.