MANILA -- The private operator of Clark International Airport is expecting one million more passengers this year compared to 2024, due to the expected transfer of more turboprop flights from Manila to Clark.

Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) CEO Noel Manankil said they initially targeted 3 million passengers this year after recording 2.4 million passengers last year.

Some turboprop flights to move to Clark by March: MIAA

But after the government’s decision to gradually move all turboprop flights out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport starting March this year, LIPAD’s target was adjusted upward to 3.3 to 3.4 million— or about a million more passengers from the previous year.

Cebu Pacific expands Clark hub with turboprop transfer

Because of the expected rise in the number of passengers, Manankil said they are ready to welcome all the additional passengers as they plan to open more spaces at the terminal which used to be closed or vacant.

Manankil said the shell of the terminal can accommodate up to 8 million passengers annually, but currently not all parts of the terminal are fitted out because of fewer passengers. The current capacity of the fitted out spaces is 4 million. But all equipment and other materials are ready to be installed.

“Maganda kasi nandoon na ang shell, hindi ka magpapagawa ng building. Fit out ka lang. Naka-stock na doon sa isang bodega sa baba, even the escalators,” Manankil told reporters.

He added that initially they are expecting 700 additional passengers per day with the transfer of some Cebu Pacific flights in March. By the last quarter, he said Philippine Airlines may follow.

“From 237 flights a week, it will be 269 flights per week this March,” he said.

Manankil added that they are also in discussion with bus companies to add more bus services between Clark and Metro Manila. He is also hopeful than Clark will be part of the options of passengers and not think of it as too far.

“Pagpunta mo naman sa Clark, maganda naman nakikita mo. In a way, worth the trip naman. I guess iba yung sitwasyon kung dinala sa isang lugar tapos pagdating sa lugar napaka-chaotic,” he said.

Manankil revealed that they are in talks with about 3 Middle Eastern airlines for possible flights. Currently, Clark serves Qatar Airways and Emirates, on top of other foreign airlines particularly from Korea.