Sangley Airport Construction Set to Begin by 2026 Pending Approvals

Construction of the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) in Cavite is expected to start within the next two years, pending government approvals, according to House of Investments Inc. President and CEO Lorenzo Tan.

Speaking at the MAP Annual General Membership Meeting, Tan expressed hope that work could begin before the end of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ term.

“[It] depends on government approvals, so hopefully within the next two years,” he told reporters.

Development Details

The SPIA Development Consortium, composed of House of Investments, Cavitex Holdings Inc., and MacroAsia Corp., was awarded the $11-billion contract in September 2022. The project proposal, submitted in 2021, was developed in partnership with the Cavite provincial government.

Key Milestones and Partnerships

The consortium received original proponent status in January 2022 and secured approval from the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) last month, ensuring the project would not negatively impact market competition.

The development plan includes constructing a 4.3-kilometer highway to the airport and renovating the existing runway. Talks are ongoing with a foreign airport operator, with an agreement expected within 12 months.

Foreign partners already announced include Samsung C&T, Munich Airport International GmbH, and Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited, the lead master development planner.

Timeline and Phases

The first phase of the project, involving the construction of one of four planned runways, is expected to become operational by 2028. Phase two will establish a two-runway system, increasing the airport’s capacity to handle at least 75 million passengers annually.