Baguio Loakan Airport Guide: Reopening Date, Airlines, Routes, Schedule
Known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City has been a favorite getaway spot of Filipinos over the years, thanks to its cooler temperature owing to its high elevation. This mountain city sits about 1,540 meters above sea level in the province of Benguet in Northern Luzon. It is also known as the City of Pines due to the abundance of pine trees that grow in and around the city proper.
Aside from its cooler climate and lush pine trees, the city is home to popular Baguio tourist spots like Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, and the BenCab Museum, which have made the city one of the best places to visit in the Philippines.
As a city in the Philippines' highlands, the main mode of transportation to and from Baguio is mainly by car or bus from Manila and other Luzon destinations. However, the previously closed Loakan Airport reopened and continued operations on December 16, 2022, starting with flights to and from Cebu in the Visayas region. Unfortunately, starting July 1, 2024, the Baguio - Cebu route will be suspended.
The Baguio airport was built in 1934 and was the first destination of Philippine Airlines' (PAL) maiden flight in 1941. However, it was eventually closed to commercial flights in the 1990s due to navigational difficulties. While it was closed to commercial flights, the airport has continuously been open for military and chartered flights.
Is there an airport in Baguio? What is the nearest airport in Baguio?
Photo by Philippine Airlines
Yes, the city has its own airport called the Loakan Airport (BAG). This entry point is located about 7 KM south of the Baguio City Hall in front of Burnham Park. The park is among the top places to visit in Baguio and is a common stop in most Baguio tours.
Is Loakan Airport still open? When is Loakan Airport in Baguio reopening?
The Loakan Airport, the nearest airport in Baguio, was previously closed to commercial flights since the 1990s. It reopened in December 16, 2022 and serviced commercial Baguio flights to and from Cebu province in the Visayas region with Philippine Airlines, the Philippine flag carrier. However, starting July 1, 2024, this route was suspended.
Which airlines fly to Loakan Airport in Baguio?
Photo by Philippine Airlines
PAL Express, the domestic subsidiary of Philippine Airlines, used to offer flights to the Loakan Airport from Cebu from December 16, 2022 to June 30, 2024. Before it was suspended on July 1, 2024, this route allowed visitors to easily travel from one of the best beach destinations in the Philippines to the highlands, which boasts the diversity and sheer size of Philippine geography. For its Cebu - Baguio flights, the airline used a De Havilland Dash 8 - 400 New Generation aircraft, which is known to have a quieter cabin.
How to Go to Your Baguio Hotel from Loakan Airport
The best way to get to the Loakan Airport from any Baguio hotel, such as The Manor at Camp John Hay, is by hailing a taxi or booking a Baguio transfer. It is highly recommended to opt for a Baguio transfer as you can easily book one ahead of time, ensuring that you leave your hotel on time. If you are booking Baguio tour packages, most of them already come with transfers as well.
Baguio Airport Travel Tips
Since Baguio enjoys a cooler climate than the rest of the Philippines, it's best to wear comfortable clothing that you can layer in case you start to feel chilly. It is highly recommended to pack a jacket or a sweater. If you're sensitive to the cold, consider bringing a thin scarf as well.
For footwear, comfy sneakers are the best option, as the colder weather makes walking from place to place much more comfortable. Wearing the right footwear also allows you to try more activities in Baguio without getting tired too early.
Before booking your flight to Baguio, make sure to secure your vaccination card or certificate (for fully vaccinated travelers) or a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers).
You will also need to sign up at Baguio's VIS.I.T.A (Visitor Information and Travel Assistance) platform, which can be found here. Take the time to read our Baguio Travel Guide as well for more information on what to prepare before a trip to the City of Pines and even a sample Baguio itinerary you can use as a reference.
Fly to the Summer Capital of the Philippines
Experience another side of the Philippines' diverse outdoors by booking a trip to Baguio City in the highlands of Luzon.
Along with the striking landscape around the city, Baguio also serves as a great gateway to the Cordilleran heritage, which they show through their art, some of which you can find in the Tam-Awan Village. It is also a great place to stop over on the way to other destinations further north, such as Banaue, which is home to the beautiful rice terraces that have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are among the best Luzon tourist spots.
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