Bohol-Panglao International Airport’s ECO-Airport Project integrates seven initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint.
Bohol-Panglao International Airport, operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation (ABAC), was recognised as the Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Philippines at the Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026 - Asia for its ECO-Airport Project.
The project has seven initiatives: renewable energy, resource monitoring, water conservation, wastewater management, ground operations, plastic reduction, and environmental partnerships. This airport-wide framework is embraced to curb the airport’s environmental footprint and foster the preservation of Bohol’s natural heritage, in line with ABAC’s vision for BPIA.
BPIA is also using its position in the tourism sector to promote more responsible travel as a vital portal for island visitors. The ECO-Airport Project does not see sustainability as a series of campaigns implemented separately, but rather integrates the environmental considerations into the daily operations of the airport and its relations with the surrounding community.
Making sustainability a part of the daily life of airports
The ECO-Airport Project combines sustainable resource management with other initiatives outside the airport boundaries. Its energy and water monitoring systems, ECO Watt and ECO Flow, track consumption patterns to spot ways to become more efficient. The terminal is now running on solar power, helping the airport reach its target of 100% solar-powered daytime terminal operations.
Water conservation is another area of focus. The goal of the BPIA is to reduce demand on local potable water supplies by harvesting rainwater to capture storm water for non-potable uses. The project also includes a Community Sewage Treatment Plant initiative, which is being coordinated with local regulators and explores the possibility of accepting wastewater from nearby tourism establishments.
The approach frames the airport’s infrastructure as a potential shared resource for the wider community. BPIA is looking into ways to manage the wastewater beyond the boundaries of its facility to help protect the coastal waters of Panglao, which is vital to the island’s marine environment and tourism.
The E-Bays concept supports the move to electric ground handling equipment at the airside. The transition is to allow for cleaner and quieter aircraft turnaround operations. The project’s Road to Zero Plastic roadmap is also aimed at inspiring airport partners, concessionaires, employees, and passengers to reduce the use of unnecessary single-use plastics.
Furthermore, the ECO-Airport Project recognises the connection between the natural attractions that lure tourists to Bohol and airport operations. BPIA’s advocacy for conservation and responsible tourism is further strengthened by its Seal of Partnership with the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark, which aims to raise awareness of the island’s geological and ecological heritage.
Together, these actions showcase how environmental responsibility has been integrated into airport management — from energy and water use to ground handling and community engagement. ABAC is developing a unified framework for the seven initiatives to ensure the airport expansion can support connectivity and tourism, whilst preserving the environment that makes Bohol unique.
The Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards - Asia stands as the premier awards programme in the Asia Pacific region, dedicated to recognising the pinnacle of excellence within the travel industry. This prestigious event honours the very best in hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.
The Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026 - Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at +65 3158 1386 or [email protected].
