Arrival of two T-129 ATAK helicopters at Sangley Point, Cavite, on May 17, 2024, part of the Priority Projects under Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program. | 15th Strike Wing (15thSW), Philippine Air Force (PAF)
MANILA — The United States government is preparing to fund a major feasibility study for the proposed ₱600‑billion Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA), a flagship infrastructure project in Cavite aimed at easing congestion at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and positioning the Philippines as a regional aviation hub.
The initiative will be supported through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), which confirmed it is working with the Philippine government on a technical assessment covering engineering, environmental impact, commercial viability, and financing options.
A Push to Modernize Philippine Aviation
The Sangley project—long envisioned as a second major international gateway for Luzon—has gained renewed momentum as the Marcos administration accelerates big-ticket infrastructure under its Build Better More program.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the U.S.-funded study will help determine “the most efficient, sustainable, and commercially sound path forward” for the airport. “We welcome the U.S. government’s support. A rigorous feasibility study is essential to ensure Sangley becomes a world‑class gateway,” Bautista said in a statement.
USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong previously emphasized the agency’s role in supporting high‑quality infrastructure in partner countries. “Our work helps ensure that major transportation projects are planned with transparency, strong engineering, and long-term economic value,” Ebong said in a 2023 briefing on U.S.–Philippines cooperation.
Why the Study Matters
The feasibility study is expected to examine runway configurations, terminal capacity, climate resilience, and integration with Metro Manila’s transport network. It will also evaluate whether Sangley can realistically absorb a significant share of NAIA’s traffic, which reached over 45 million passengers in 2023, far above its designed capacity.
Economic officials say the project could generate tens of thousands of jobs, boost tourism, and strengthen supply chain connectivity. “A modern second gateway is not just an aviation upgrade—it is an economic multiplier,” said National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, citing the need for “globally competitive logistics” to support manufacturing and services.
The U.S. involvement also reflects Washington’s broader strategy of supporting infrastructure development in the Indo‑Pacific. In 2024, the U.S. and the Philippines expanded cooperation on transportation, clean energy, and digital infrastructure under the Indo‑Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
Who Is Conducting the Study
USTDA will fund and oversee the study, but the technical work will be carried out by a U.S.-based aviation engineering and consulting firm to be selected through a competitive process. The Philippine partner agency is the Department of Transportation (DOTr), with coordination from the Cavite provincial government, which holds the development rights to the Sangley site.
Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said the province welcomes the U.S. partnership. “This is a crucial step toward realizing a modern airport that will serve millions of Filipinos. The study ensures we proceed with accuracy, transparency, and global standards,” Remulla said.
A Strategic Investment for the Philippines
If the feasibility study yields positive results, the project is expected to move toward a public‑private partnership (PPP) structure, with potential participation from U.S., Japanese, and Filipino investors.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has repeatedly emphasized the need for upgraded aviation infrastructure. “We cannot grow our economy at the pace we want if our airports remain outdated,” Marcos said during a 2024 transport forum. “Sangley is one of the solutions we are seriously pursuing.”
The U.S.-funded feasibility study is expected to begin later this year, marking a significant step toward determining whether the long‑planned Sangley airport can finally take flight.
