Congressman pushing the plan also serves as vice chairman for the airline

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia recently lauded the growing support for AirAsia to begin flying into Bacolod-Silay Airport, noting in a press release, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade backed the plan as it would provide “more competition and better passenger options.”
The plan, which was put forward by One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals partylist Rep. Michael Romero, was also reportedly endorsed by Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.
“Congressman Romero and I are in constant communications these days to ensure the entry of another airline,” said the mayor.
Meanwhile, the partylist congressman also serves as vice chairman for the airline.
According to the mayor, recalling a meeting he had with Romero in Manila a few days ago, the congressman said it was his “top priority” to add additional routes for the airline.
Leonardia said he also intends to lobby for more airlines to fly into Bacolod-Silay Airport.
Earlier this year, CAAP director-general, Captain Jim Sydiongco, pointed out the airport is currently operating at overcapacity.
When opened to commercial operations in 2008, Bacolod-Silay Airport was designed to accommodate between 800,000 to one million passengers a year. However, the number of passengers passing through the terminal has since increased to 1.7 million and growing.
At the time, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. also chimed in, noting, “It is possible passenger traffic will grow to around two million by next year.”/WDJ