PANGLAO, Bohol — Following the successful arrival of the first-ever direct charter flight from Tokyo, Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corp. (ABAC) announced on Monday, May 11, 2026, its intention to transform these seasonal services into regular, scheduled international routes.
The move is part of a broader strategy to position the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) as a primary leisure hub for the North Asian market.
The initiative gained momentum following the arrival of Cebu Pacific flight 5J8811 on May 2, 2026, which carried 163 Japanese tourists directly from Narita International Airport.
- Proof of Concept: General Manager Aldwin Uy stated that the successful handling of the charter flight proves the airport’s readiness for expanded international traffic, particularly regarding its Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQ) facilities.
- Strategic Mission: The flight was the result of a September 2025 business mission to Japan, where ABAC and the provincial government engaged with JTB Corporation to promote Bohol’s UNESCO Global Geopark status.
- Market Demand: Local officials noted that direct flights remove the long-standing barrier of connecting through Manila or Cebu, making Bohol more attractive to high-value Japanese travelers interested in marine biodiversity and cultural heritage.
To support the anticipated increase in international visitors, Aboitiz InfraCapital has accelerated its modernization program for the “Green Gateway”:
- Terminal Reconfiguration: In April 2026, ABAC began a phased upgrade of the passenger terminal to expand capacity and streamline operational flow.
- Infrastructure Upkeep: Recent improvements include the repair of elevators, servicing of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems to prevent outages, and baggage carousel optimizations to reduce wait times.
- Boholano Branding: Under an agreement with Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, additional floor space is being allocated to local concessionaires to showcase regional delicacies and goods.
While South Korea currently remains the airport’s strongest international link, the focus for the remainder of 2026 is diversifying the portfolio:
| Target Market | Status |
| Japan (Narita) | Currently Chartered; Goal is Regular Service by Q4 2026. |
| South Korea | Established regular routes via multiple carriers. |
| China/Taiwan | In preliminary talks for charter services for the 2026 winter season. |
“We are hopeful that this chartered flight will pave the way for regular international arrivals. This is an important step in deepening our connection to the international market.” — Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado
As the Philippines’ first “eco-airport,” BPIA leverages its sustainable design—including solar power integration and natural ventilation—to appeal to environmentally conscious travelers. This alignment with Japan’s strong culture of environmental stewardship is expected to be a key marketing pillar for the proposed regular routes.
