Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), the operator of Clark International Airport, is planning a 759-hectare aviation, logistics, and business hub as it seeks to transform the airport into a broader economic gateway. The master plan, expected to be completed by the end of the year, aims to expand the airport beyond passenger operations by integrating aviation, logistics, business, and investment activities within the Clark Freeport Zone.
The project, known as the Clark AeroDistrict, will be built on government-owned land within the Clark Freeport Zone, eliminating right-of-way issues. Development of the Clark AeroDistrict is targeted to be completed within five years, with the master plan to be implemented in four phases covering maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) facilities, general aviation and freight services, a cargo facility, and a passenger terminal facility.
A key component of the development is the 130-hectare Cargo City, designed to accommodate existing and emerging logistics players. The development offers scalable, investment-ready infrastructure that will strengthen supply chains and improve the movement of goods across domestic and international markets.
LIPAD has reported a significant expansion in cargo operations, with cargo flights rising 31% year on year to 752 in June, driven by 694 international cargo flights and 52 domestic cargo flights. Cargo throughput also rose 10% year on year to 48,655 metric tons, with international cargo accounting for 97% of the total volume during the period.
LIPAD is exploring a public-private partnership or joint venture structure for the project, with the company lowering its passenger traffic target for the year to 3.1 million from 3.3 million due to the impact of global conflict on jet fuel prices. However, despite the revised forecast, LIPAD expects passenger traffic in 2026 to exceed this year's level.
LIPAD, a consortium composed of several companies, took over the operations and maintenance of Clark International Airport in 2019. The company is committed to transforming the airport into a leading hub for aviation, logistics, business, and investment, while driving economic growth for the country.
