Iloilo City, nestled in the heart of the Philippines, boasts a rich aviation history. As the birthplace of INAEC (Iloilo – Negros Air Express Corporation) and Jose Tinsay, one of the country’s first aviators, Iloilo City is also home to the historic Iloilo Mandurriao Airport.
Mandurriao Airport, previously known as Iloilo Airport, was the main airport for Iloilo City and the surrounding province. Located in the Mandurriao district, it was one of the busiest domestic airports in the Philippines. In operation since the 1930s, the airport has now been replaced by the Iloilo International Airport and decommissioned in 2007. Today, the Iloilo Business Park, a sprawling business district, occupies the former airport site.
History of the Mandurriao Airport
Constructed in 1937, Mandurriao Airport played a significant role as a World War II airfield. It was captured by Japanese forces in 1942 before being recaptured by the US Army in 1945. As a civilian airport, it facilitated Pope John Paul II’s arrival during his visit to the Philippines in 1981. The airport underwent expansion in 1982 with the construction of a 2,202-square-meter passenger terminal building.
However, the 1990s brought challenges to Mandurriao Airport. With the liberalization of the Philippine aviation industry and increased air travel, the airport faced numerous issues, including outdated facilities and poor passenger comfort. Furthermore, its location alongside major city thoroughfares exacerbated traffic congestion in the area.
Decommissioning the Manduriao Airport
In 1995, plans to build a new airport outside of the city were announced, with Cabatuan chosen as the new site in 1997. The last commercial flight departed from Mandurriao Airport on June 13, 2007, and the airport was officially decommissioned the following day, coinciding with the opening of the Iloilo International Airport.
The 54-hectare property was then sold for redevelopment. After a series of delays, Megaworld acquired the site for Php 1.2 billion (roughly $2.5 million) and transformed it into a mixed-use residential and commercial complex, now known as the Iloilo Business Park.
Demolition of the Control Tower
The Iloilo Convention Center, situated on the former site of the airport’s passenger terminal (demolished between 2012 and 2013), played host to the APEC Finance meetings in 2015. The airport’s control tower, which once stood as a monument to Iloilo’s aviation history and a homage to Pope John Paul II and his 1981 visit to the Philippines, was demolished in 2021.
Iloilo City’s rich aviation history is evident through the legacy of the Mandurriao Airport. However, it is indeed unfortunate that the last remaining relic of the Mandurriao Airport, the control tower, was demolished. This historical structure could have served as a constant reminder of Iloilo City’s significant contribution to Philippine aviation.
As we move forward, it is essential for developers across the country to recognize the importance of preserving and celebrating the historical roots of the aviation industry. By safeguarding these valuable reminders of our past, we can ensure that the rich heritage of aviation in the Philippines is appreciated and honored for generations to come.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
