Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has moved to ensure viable airfares and expand access to more domestic and international destinations, signaling a push to strengthen the country's aviation and tourism sectors.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOTr is also working with the Civil Aeronautics Board on measures that balance affordability with sustainability for airlines, while the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines pursues infrastructure upgrades. Among the projects under study is the proposed runway extension at Siargao Airport, which would enable larger aircraft to operate more efficiently and lower the cost per seat for travelers.

Meanwhile, the construction for the expansion of Siargao Airport's passenger terminal building (PTB) is ongoing, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to enhance the travel experience and safety of local and foreign tourists in one of the country's top tourism destinations. The expanded and modernized Siargao Airport PTB will be able to accommodate 750 passengers daily, from the previous maximum capacity of 200 passengers.

Philippine Airlines welcomed Lopez's collaborative approach, saying it is committed to aligning with the government's connectivity and tourism agenda. 'As the flag carrier, we look forward to continuing this productive dialogue with the DOTr under the leadership of Acting Secretary (Giovanni) Lopez, confident that our joint initiatives will deliver lasting benefits to the traveling public and to the national economy,' Carlos Luis Fernandez, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Philippine Airlines, said in a statement over the weekend.

Industry leaders view Lopez's entry as an opportunity to strengthen coordination between the public and private sectors, ensuring policies and infrastructure improvements deliver long-term benefits to passengers and the economy.