Indian infrastructure conglomerate GMR Group is eyeing further expansion of its airport portfolio in the Philippines, targeting major strategic projects including the proposed Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) in Cavite and several regional air hubs.
GMR Group Chairman for Energy and International Airports Srinivas Bommidala reaffirmed the group’s keen interest in investing in the country’s aviation sector, citing its strong track record in previous Philippine projects.
“We’ll be more than happy, because we have already done two projects in the Philippines in recent years. And certainly, as a private investor, we’ll be more than happy to look at good opportunities, including Sangley and other regional airports, which will be a win-win for both of us, between India and the Philippines,” Bommidala said.
The group’s renewed expansion push follows the inauguration of the $587-million Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, also known as Vizag Airport, in Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the unveiling of the public-private partnership project.
Scheduled to launch full commercial operations on August 17, Vizag Airport will initially accommodate 6 million passengers per year, with plans to scale its capacity beyond 40 million annually. Positioned along India’s eastern coast, the gateway is expected to serve as a hub for expanded trade, tourism and direct air links between India and Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines.
The development further consolidates GMR’s global aviation footprint across India, Indonesia, Greece and the Philippines.
“With operations spanning India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Greece, we are building an integrated international aviation platform that connects economies, promotes tourism, facilitates trade and creates value for communities,” Bommidala added.
In the Philippines, GMR previously co-developed the terminal expansion at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and constructed the modern passenger terminal at Clark International Airport.
For the Sangley project, GMR has teamed up with local consortium partners Cavitex Holdings Inc. and House of Investments to build SPIA and the surrounding Sangley Aerocity. The massive development aims to relieve chronic congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) while generating roughly 15,000 direct and indirect jobs alongside long-term government revenues.
The venture has gained traction in Malacañang. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed key cabinet agencies, including the Department of Transportation, Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Philippine Navy, to facilitate and assist GMR’s investments in the country.
Bommidala expressed confidence that deepening diplomatic and economic ties between New Delhi and Manila will continue to pave the way for major private-sector investments.