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Loakan Airport: What to Know About Baguio’s Only Airport

Baguio City, also referred to as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, has long been a preferred vacation destination for Filipinos because of its cooler climate brought on by its high elevation. Located in the Benguet province of Northern Luzon, this mountain city is 1,540 meters above sea level. And due to the numerous pine trees that populate and surround the city proper, it is also referred to as the City of Pines.

The city is home to well-known Baguio tourist destinations like Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, and the BenCab Museum, which have elevated the city to one of the greatest tourist destinations in the Philippines in addition to its milder environment and luxuriant pine forests.

The primary means of transportation to and from Baguio is typically via by car or bus from Manila and other Luzon destinations. On December 16, 2022, the formerly shut-down Loakan Airport is expected to reopen and resume operations, beginning with flights to and from Cebu in the Visayas region.

Things to Know about Baguio’s Only Airport

Is there an airport in Baguio? What is the nearest airport in Baguio?

The Loakan Airport (BAG), which serves the city, is its own airport. This entryway is situated in front of Burnham Park, roughly 7 kilometers south of Baguio City Hall. The park is a frequent stop on most Baguio tours and one of the best spots to see in Baguio.

Your Gateway to the Beauty of Baguio City

Is Loakan Airport still open? When is Loakan Airport in Baguio reopening?

The Loakan Airport, which is the closest airport to Baguio, has been out of commission since the 1990s. However, commercial flights at Baguio Airport are now anticipated to resume on December 16, 2022, with Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, operating the first flights to and from Cebu province in the Visayas.

Which airlines fly to Loakan Airport in Baguio?

Starting December 16, 2022, only PAL Express, the domestic division of Philippine Airlines, will offer flights from Cebu to the Loakan Airport. Visitors can easily travel from one of the Philippines’ top beach destinations to the highlands, which showcase the country’s geographic richness and vastness. The airline will use a De Havilland Dash 8 – 400 New Generation aircraft, famed for its quieter cabin, for its Cebu to Baguio operations.

Philippine Airlines is the sole airline operating flights to and from Loakan Airport at the moment. Every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, flights are offered. Furthermore, travel time ranges from 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. Be aware that seasonal changes may occur without prior notification to flight and travel timings.

Your Gateway to the Beauty of Baguio City

Fly into Loakan Airport, a modest but attractive airport situated within Baguio City, to experience the beauty and charm of the city. Loakan airstrip, which was constructed in the 1930s as a military airstrip for use during World War II, currently acts as a gateway to the breathtaking location of Baguio City. Beautiful vistas of the city’s rolling hills and verdant vegetation await you as you get closer to the airport.

Loakan Airport is the ideal place for visitors to Baguio to begin their exploration of everything that this lovely location has to offer. Some of the city’s most well-known attractions, including Burnham Park, Session Road, and the Baguio Botanical Garden, are conveniently reachable from the airport. The travel to and from Baguio and Loakan’s downtown areas is also fairly pleasant, with stunning views of the surrounding forests and verdant landscape. Even more breathtaking scenery can be found on the road from Loakan down to the Hot Springs in Itogon, which offers breathtaking views all along the way.

Things to Know about Baguio's Only Airport

The welcoming and small atmosphere of Loakan Airport adds to its uniqueness. Its diminutive size lends charm and personality and makes it simple to use and enjoy. Aviation enthusiasts will also enjoy learning about the airport’s fascinating past and speaking with actual pilots.

Loakan Airport is well worth a visit, whether you’re a traveler in Baguio or an aviation enthusiast searching for a distinctive location. with its breathtaking setting, easy access to the city’s attractions, and quaint ambiance. Any visitor is certain to be impressed and remember it.

PR 2230 – Cebu to Baguio – from Mactan, Cebu at 8:50 AM and arriving at Baguio Loakan Airport at 10:50 AM.
PR 2231 – Baguio to Cebu – from Loakan Airport at 11:10 AM and arriving in Cebu at 01:00 PM.

Loakan Airport History

Construction and World War II

The airport was constructed in 1934 by the American colonial government. On March 15, 1941, a Beechcraft Model 18 from Manila’s Nielson Field made its first landing there. In December 1941, the airfield was occupied by the 9th Regiment of the Imperial Japanese Army during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. The region was retaken by the American Army in April 1945.

Post-war and eventual closure

Commercial flights to the airport soon started. The airport was, however, removed from several carriers’ flight routes due to its height and navigational challenges in the event of poor visibility. Airlines cut back on airport flights following the 1990 Luzon earthquake.

It was intended to close the airport and expand the Baguio City Economic Zone in 2008, during Gloria Macapagal Arroyo‘s administration. The Baguio city government authorities, however, discouraged that.

Military and private aircraft used the airport while it was closed to commercial flights.

Reopening

Over the years, a number of organizations have announced plans to revive the airport. Attempts to reopen the airport for commercial flights were made in 2012 and 2015.

The Baguio city government announced in January 2020 that it was considering a proposal from San Miguel Corporation to open and run the airport in the second quarter of 2020. It had already begun steps to ensure that the airport is prepared for commercial operations by resolving issues seen by the CAAP, such as the encroachment of residents and obstructions on the runway, but have faced opposition from residents who have legal land titles in the area.

Although the city government announced the following year that the airport is now prepared to receive commercial flights after it has finished the preliminary steps outlined by the CAAP to address the safety issues for commercial aircraft, a more targeted opening date was not announced until 2022, with the city government announcing that it hopes to reopen the airport in November 2022, in time for the Christmas season. It also announced that it will spend about 68 million yen (about $68 million) on the project.

The first scheduled commercial flight to and from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Loakan Airport in decades was launched by Philippine Airlines on December 16, 2022, the day of the airport’s reopening.

Baguio Culture, History, and Heritage

When will you fly to Baguio?

Baguio is well-known for its cold climate, pine trees, and fresh produce, but the city is also home to a bustling real estate market. Because of its location in the Cordillera Mountains, Baguio has drawn the attention of developers who are wanting to construct real estates and resorts.

Investments in the Philippine Summer Capital can be wise financial moves as well as a representation of distinction combined with ease and luxury.

So rather than missing out on the many advantages that come with it, why not think about investing in a luxury house in Bern Baguio right now? You may be well on your way to developing a successful and profitable portfolio of luxury real estate with Brittany Corporation if you take the appropriate strategy and mindset.

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