LAL-LO, Cagayan, August 19 (PIA) — The Cagayan North International Airport (CNIA) officially welcomed yesterday Royal Air’s inaugural direct international flight from Macau and domestic flights from Clark International Airport in Pampanga with 91 and 26 passengers, respectively.

Charlotte Collado, community relations specialist of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) said these inaugural flights are different from the inaugural flight that took off from Macau to Lal-lo on March 14, 2018 as the former carried paying passengers while the latter was a chartered flight only.

For his part, Undersecretary Raymundo Roquero said the direct flights from Macau will accommodate OFWs who are working in Hongkong, Macau and in the nearby provinces of China which according to him is ‘cheaper’ and ‘faster’.

“Hindi na sila kailangan pang pumunta ng Manila because they can now travel safely at mas mabilis via the Macau-Lal-lo flight,” Roquero said.

With these inaugural flights, Roquero said expect for more tourists visiting Santa Ana and nearby towns in the province. “Unlike before na dumadaan pa sa Tuguegarao Airport, ngayon kasi diretso na ito sa Lal-lo kaya mas mabilis na ang pagpunta dito,” he added.

Earlier, CEZA Secretary Raul L. Lambino said that a fully operational Cagayan North International Airport shall give a major Asian even global investor easy, convenient access and faster travel time to Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport located in Santa Ana, Cagayan which shall result in the boosting of tourist arrivals both local and foreign in the whole Cagayan province.

After these inaugural flights, Royal Air CEO Ed Nobillas said Royal Air shall fly twice weekly in between Macau and Lal-lo during Wednesdays (7:50 AM – 8:55 AM) and Sundays (3:45 PM – 4:50 PM).

Airport expansion

Roquero said the CEZA has plans to upgrade and expand the airport as there are also interested investors willing to invest and partner with CEZA.

He said the LongRunn Capital, an offshore financing firm based in Singapore, and one of CEZA’s major investors will be coming here to help develop the airport as they recognized that the airport is very vital in the development of tourism.

On the other hand, Roquero said they are very open to accommodate other regional airlines such as Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and others. “Depende na yan sa mga regional airlines which are situated in Clark now,” he said.

But as to the CEZA, Roquero added, talks for other commercial flights are in the pipe line and one of their plans.

“Isa kasi sa mga strategic positions ng Lal-lo ay pwede dito yung midway airline office nila. Pwede tayong maging center ng Northern Hub operation at gamitin ang Lal-lo na maging melting pot,” he added. (MDCT/PIA-2)

Photo Caption: A water cannon salute ceremony for Royal Air inaugural direct flight Macau-Lal-lo on August 18, 2019. (PIA photo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026101?fbclid=IwAR2fsil4VsOB9ilF_46UaBF4hPIDSwv9HcEKdcgYIFsqNajoV0vCY4m84P8