The Camotes Domestic Airport Terminal in San Francisco, Camotes Island, will be utilized as a training ground for students from flying schools instead of becoming a commercial airport, according to recent announcements.
Congressman Duke Frasco's Initial Announcement
Congressman Duke Frasco of Cebu's 5th district expressed excitement over the nearing completion of the airport. “Soon, travelers will be able to reach Camotes Islands in minutes instead of hours,” Frasco said on July 2, 2026. The 1.8-kilometer runway project, initiated in 2020, is situated on a 27-hectare lot owned by the Cebu Provincial Government. Plans originally included a terminal building, aiming to make it the second island-based airport in Cebu.
Shift in Purpose: From Commercial to Training Airport
However, Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano clarified that the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) has decided to designate the facility as a training airport rather than a commercial one. This change is due to the increasing number of students needing flight training. Durano explained that the Camotes Airport currently has a runway but lacks a complete control tower and terminal building. “The Camotes airport only has a runway but is still lacking to become a commercial airport, so it is not yet capable of receiving commercial flights,” Durano stated.
Benefits and Delays
Frasco emphasized that the airport would greatly benefit residents by boosting tourism, creating jobs, and opening new economic opportunities. However, in 2025, the Capitol revealed that delays in completion were due to unresolved property disputes and incomplete land payments to lot owners.
Current Status and Future Plans
With the MCIAA's new decision, the airport will now focus on training aspiring pilots, addressing the growing demand for skilled aviators. The facility's development continues to progress, with the runway already in place and further infrastructure pending.
