Tacloban: The city government is optimistic about the planned opening of the new Tacloban Airport terminal building, with its operation anticipated to significantly enhance economic activity in the city. Mayor Alfred Romualdez emphasized the airport's potential to transform Tacloban into an international gateway within 2026, supporting increased commerce and tourism.
According to Philippines News Agency, although the airport's launch was initially expected in the first semester of the year, Mayor Romualdez expressed gratitude towards President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for prioritizing the project. During his visit to Leyte in July 2025, President Marcos reiterated the government's commitment to upgrading the airport by 2026.
The mayor remains hopeful that the upgraded facility will draw more investors and tourists once international flights commence. "Commerce will increase. These are the developments we look forward to," he stated. Meanwhile, a Regional Development Council (RDC) official noted minor delays in the airport's operation due to several issues but remains confident about its readiness for international flights by December 2026.
The Eastern Visayas RDC's fourth quarter 2025 report highlighted that the Passenger Terminal Building I project, nearly 98 percent complete as of May 2025, faces termination due to delays linked to insufficient personnel and limited materials. Despite a negative slippage of 3.86 percent, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is working to ensure the contractor adheres to a catch-up plan to expedite the project.
Progress is evident in other components of the Tacloban Airport Development Project (TADP). The Department of Public Works and Highways has completed the airport facility construction in full, while Passenger Terminal Building III is 77.39 percent complete. Additionally, the Department of Transportation's runway asphalt overlay is ahead of schedule by 2.35 percent. The RDC anticipates all TADP components to be fully operational by 2028.
Named after former House of Representatives Speaker Daniel Z. Romualdez, the airport is a crucial hub connecting Eastern Visayas to Manila and Cebu, with 24 daily flights and 1.69 million passengers recorded in 2024.
