The zone, the new international Airport and the Port

The zone

The new international airport

The Busuanga Airport in Coron is undergoing a major redevelopment, with completion expected by 2026. The project includes a new runway and a modern terminal designed to support international flights and boost tourism.

Here’s a detailed update on the construction progress and plans:

Project Overview

  • Name: New Busuanga Airport Development Project (BADP)
  • Location: Yulo King Ranch (YKR), Coron, Busuanga Island, Palawan
  • Budget: PHP 953 million (approx. USD 18.7 million)
  • Lead Agencies: Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)

Construction Progress

  • Groundbreaking: The project officially broke ground in 2023.
  • Current Phase: As of late 2025, the airport is in the construction phase, with work underway on the runway embankment (Phase III) and other infrastructure components.
  • Expected Completion: Some regional airport upgrades, including Busuanga, are targeted for completion by 2026.

Key Features

  • Runway: A new 2,500-meter runway is being built to accommodate jet aircraft. This longer runway will support aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, significantly increasing capacity (potentially to over 2 million passengers annually) and enabling direct international flights.
  • Terminal: A modern passenger terminal is planned to support increased domestic and international traffic.
  • Purpose: The upgrade aims to replace the existing Francisco B. Reyes Airport, which currently handles only smaller aircraft, and to position Coron as a major tourism hub.

Strategic Importance

  • Coron is one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations, and the current airport infrastructure has been deemed inadequate for the growing number of visitors.
  • The new airport is expected to significantly enhance accessibility and drive economic development in northern Palawan.

The Existing Coron Port – Overview

The main port in Coron, Palawan (Philippines), is the Uson Island Public Pier (also known as Coron Port or Coron Ferry Terminal), located in Coron Town Proper on Busuanga Island.

It is a key hub for inter-island travel, handling passenger ferries to destinations such as Manila, El Nido, and occasionally other parts of Palawan or Luzon.

The port is relatively small but bustling, especially during the peak tourist season (December–April), with tricycles and vans readily available for transfers to town or the airport.

Visitor Numbers

Coron is a major tourism hotspot, globally known for island-hopping, wreck diving, and its iconic lagoons. Most visitors arrive by air via Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga), with only a small portion arriving by ferry.

  • In 2024, Coron recorded a total of 341,546 visitors (source: Coron Municipal Tourism Office, reported January 2025).
  • Domestic tourists: 190,654 (approx. 56%).
  • Foreign tourists: 150,892 (approx. 44%).
  • Visitor numbers have been steadily growing post-pandemic, despite challenges such as high airfares.
  • During peak season, the airport handles approximately 17–25 flights daily.
  • No specific data is available on port-only passenger arrivals, but ferry traffic represents a minor share compared to air travel.

Ferries Operating at Coron Port

Several companies operate passenger ferries from Coron Port. Schedules vary by season, weather conditions, and operator.

Passengers are advised to always check updated timetables via official operator websites or booking platforms such as 12Go or Direct Ferries, as schedules may change.

Main Routes and Operators

  • Coron ⇄ El Nido (most popular route, approx. 4–5 hours, scenic island route):
    • Multiple daily departures, typically early morning (around 6–8 AM from Coron).
    • Operators include:
      • Montenegro Shipping Lines (fast ferry, often ~6 AM)
      • Atienza Interisland Ferries (e.g. ~7 AM departures)
      • Jomalia Shipping
      • Phimal Fast Ferry (e.g. ~8:20 AM, except Sundays)
    • High frequency during peak season; reduced service during the monsoon period (June–September).
  • Coron ⇄ Manila (overnight trip, approx. 11–14 hours):
    • Weekly or bi-weekly sailings (around 1–6 trips per week, depending on season).
    • Main operator: 2GO Travel (offers cabins and more comfortable long-haul service).
    • Departures typically scheduled in the evening.
    • Occasional services by operators such as Atienza Shipping.
  • Other routes (less frequent):
    • Puerto Princesa
    • Mindoro (e.g. San Jose)
    • Nearby islands such as Culion
    • Operators vary, including Montenegro Shipping for shorter routes.

Ferry services operate year-round, though schedules may be reduced or less reliable during the low season.

The project for a new sea port

There is already another very promising project that will make Ocamocam beach even more attractive for investors : the construction of a new Port which will start in March 2023. The new harbour will be for both cargo handling and passanger terminal. For sure cruise ships will dock there and our beach is just less then 1 Km away , on the other side of the little peninsula. Easy to imagine where the tourists, once disembarked, will naturally go. This is the website of the new port : https://busuangaport.com