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  • 21 Aug, 2019

  • By, Wikipedia

Cotabato Airport

Cotabato Airport (IATA: CBO, ICAO: RPMC), also known as Awang Airport, is an airport serving the general area of Cotabato City, North Cotabato, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur. Located in the province of Maguindanao del Norte in the Philippines. It is classified as a Class 1 principal (major domestic) airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

The airport was the 21st busiest airport in the Philippines in 2021. The airport is generally used by the people of Cotabato City.

The airport was temporarily closed from June 22, 2023 until October 1, 2023 for runway repairs.

Airlines and destinations

An Airbus A320 of Philippine Airlines at the ramp.
AirlinesDestinations
Bangsamoro Airways Jolo, Zamboanga
PAL Express Cebu, Manila, Tawi-Tawi

Statistics

Data from Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Passenger movements

Year Domestic Passengers Change
2003 46,409 Steady
2004 63,902 Increase 27.37%
2005 86,920 Increase 26.48%
2006 125,539 Increase 30.76%
2007 127,198 Increase 1.3%
2008 104,535 Decrease 17.82%
2009 199,133 Increase 47.5%
2010 219,104 Increase 9.11%
2011 122,525 Decrease 44.07%
2012 246,409 Increase 50.27%
2013 239,625 Decrease 2.75%
2014 232,742 Decrease 2.87%
2015 241,642 Increase 3.68%
2016 258,529 Increase 6.5%
2017 289,229 Increase 10.61%
2018 299,861 Increase 3.54%
2019 309,556 Increase 3.23%
2020 83,957 (COVID-19 pandemic) Decrease 368.70%
2021 161,247 Increase 92.05%
2022 295,801 Increase 83.44%

Future plans

Potential Destinations

According to the recent interview with Atty. Sinarimbo in Midsayap Radio Program, they are already preparing to open flights and shipping route from Cotabato City to (Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi) BASULTA. This will fasten the government services that will directly link connectivity of Bangsamoro to island Provinces. At present time cargo or passengers movement are via Zamboanga or Manila Airport and Seaport respectively. Soon this will utilize the Polloc International Seaport and Cotabato Airport capabilities.

Night flights and Infrastructure Upgrades

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), airports in the city of Cotabato is now undergoing rehabilitation and expansion.

The repairs include the widening of the breath of the runway and the upgrade of terminal facilities for night-flight capabilities and a better and safer experience for passengers to enjoy On 18 June 2021, runway strip grade correction work began, conducted by DOTr, Department of National Defense (DND) and the 549th Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army. Construction work is expected to finish within 450 days.

International airport

An International Airport is proposed to be built to Barangay Tamontaka, Cotabato City, while the existing domestic airport will serve as a Military Air Base. As of now, construction is anticipated in June 2019.

See also