Kalibo International Airport is one of the main gateways to the tourist destination of Boracay Island in the Philippines. Located in the town of Kalibo in Aklan province, this airport serves as the primary hub for travelers looking to visit the renowned white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Boracay. With its strategic location and modern facilities, Kalibo International Airport has become a vital transportation hub for both domestic and international travelers.

Originally a domestic airport, Kalibo International Airport was upgraded to international status in May 1996 in order to accommodate the growing number of tourists visiting Boracay. The airport is currently classified as a Class 2 principal airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and has a runway measuring 2,500 meters in length and 45 meters in width. The airport's passenger terminal has the capacity to handle around 1.5 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the Western Visayas region.

Kalibo International Airport has a single passenger terminal that houses all the necessary facilities for travelers, including check-in counters, immigration and customs booths, baggage claim area, and various shops and restaurants. The airport also has a VIP lounge for premium passengers, as well as a duty-free shop for international travelers looking to do some last-minute shopping before departing.

One of the key features of Kalibo International Airport is its convenient location, just 2 kilometers away from the town center of Kalibo. Travelers can easily reach the airport by taxi or public transportation, with ample parking available for those arriving by car. The airport is also well-connected to major cities in the Philippines, with several airlines operating regular flights to and from Kalibo International Airport, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.

In recent years, Kalibo International Airport has seen a significant increase in passenger traffic, particularly during the peak tourist season from November to May. The airport serves as the main entry point for tourists coming to Boracay, with many international flights arriving from countries such as China, South Korea, and Russia. To accommodate the growing number of passengers, the airport has undergone several expansion and renovation projects, including the construction of a new terminal building and the extension of the runway.

Despite its popularity among tourists, Kalibo International Airport has faced challenges in terms of congestion and infrastructure limitations. The airport has been criticized for its lack of capacity to handle the increasing number of flights and passengers, leading to long queues and delays during peak travel periods. In response to these issues, the Philippine government has announced plans to further expand and upgrade the airport, including the construction of a new terminal building and the installation of additional facilities to improve passenger experience.

Overall, Kalibo International Airport plays a crucial role in the tourism industry of the Philippines, providing a vital link for travelers to one of the country's most popular destinations. With its convenient location, modern facilities, and ongoing development projects, the airport is poised to become an even more important transportation hub in the region. By continuing to invest in improvements and upgrades, Kalibo International Airport can ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers visiting Boracay and beyond.