Clark International Airport is set for further expansion after posting strong passenger and flight growth in 2025, with higher airline capacity and turboprop transfers boosting its role outside Metro Manila.
The airport served 2,753,101 passengers in 2025, up 14 percent from 2,404,888 in 2024, based on latest airport traffic data. Growth was driven primarily by domestic travel, alongside steady gains in international demand.
Clark International Airport is managed and operated by Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), which oversees the airport’s expansion strategy.
Why it matters
Clark’s rising passenger volumes underscore its growing importance in easing congestion at Metro Manila airports while improving connectivity for Central and Northern Luzon.
The upcoming shift of turboprop operations is expected to deepen this advantage.
Domestic passenger traffic surged 23 percent to 1,042,589 in 2025 from 847,160 a year earlier. International passengers increased 10 percent to 1,710,512 from 1,557,728, reflecting continued recovery and expansion of regional and overseas routes.
The big picture
Airline capacity growth kept pace with passenger demand. Total available seats at Clark rose 12 percent to 3,767,345 in 2025 from 3,356,059 in 2024. Domestic seat capacity jumped 21 percent, while international capacity increased 8 percent, largely due to airlines adding frequencies on existing routes.
Flight activity also climbed. Domestic air traffic movements grew 34 percent to 12,117 in 2025 from 9,063 in 2024. International movements rose 5 percent to 10,628 from 10,159. Overall system-wide flight movements increased 18 percent to 22,745 from 19,222.
What they’re saying
“2025 was a year of steady growth for Clark International Airport,” Noel Manankil, president and CEO of LIPAD, said in a statement on Jan. 23, 2026.
“The increase in passenger traffic and improved load factors were supported by stronger airline partnerships. This was also aided by the gradual transfer of turboprop operations from Metro Manila and Clark’s role as a reliable alternative gateway outside the capital," he added.
What’s next
Momentum is expected to carry into 2026, with airport officials pointing to a key operational shift early in the year.
“Looking ahead to 2026, we remain optimistic as airline operations continue to expand at Clark,” Manankil said. “Cebu Pacific is expected to complete the transfer of all its turboprop operations to Clark by March, which will further increase connectivity, support continued passenger growth, and make travel more convenient for passengers from Luzon and nearby regions.” -Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Miguel R. Camus
