Laguindingan Airport night flights to boost North Mindanao tourism, says official

The landmark night flights launched Thursday at Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental are expected to grow tourism in Northern Mindanao, a tourism official from the region said.

 

Department of Tourism Region 10 head Catalino Chan said they are particularly happy for Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Marawi, GMA Northern Mindanao's Jeik Compo reported Friday.

 

"We are so happy for Northern Mindanao, especially Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Marawi... They have choices of more flights. Meaning, there are more passengers coming in because we have [those who prefer to] fly in the evening," said Chan.

 

Thursday's first night flights are expected to pave the way for more investments in the region.

 

A Cebu Pacific turboprop plane from Cebu City arrived at past 7 p.m. with 50 passengers, marking the first night flight at Laguindingan Airport since the gateway started operating in 2013. Afterwards, another Cebu Pacific plane took off for Cebu.

 

Later this month, other airlines are expected to launch their own night flights to and from Laguindingan – including direct to and from Manila.

 

Less air traffic 

 

Airport tower chief Freddie Alesandro said the night flights could mean less congested air traffic during the day.

 

"Dahil sa maraming traffic, hindi na ma-accomodate. So, 'yung merong capable na mga airport... na kung pwede, pakiusapan nila ang mga airlines na mag-operate talaga sila para ma-decongest," he said.

 

On the other hand, some passengers who arrived onboard the night flight said they find flying at night more convenient.

 

"Yes, opo, hindi siya mainit," said passenger Nice Cacho, when asked if the night flight was more convenient. – Joel Locsin/VS, GMA News