Sicogon Airstrip (ICO)

Sicogon Island Airport, identified by the IATA code ICO, is a specialized private aviation facility serving Sicogon Island in the municipality of Carles, Iloilo, Philippines. Re-established as part of a major sustainable tourism redevelopment project by Ayala Land, the airport serves as the primary gateway for high-end travelers visiting the island's premier resorts, including Balay Kogon and Huni Sicogon. Its presence is fundamental to the region's strategy of becoming a world-class tourism estate and a critical link for exploring the nearby Gigantes Group of Islands. The airport features a single, compact passenger terminal designed to efficiently manage domestic arrivals and departures in a relaxed island setting. While the facility is modest in scale, it provides essential traveler amenities including a sheltered waiting lounge, centralized check-in area, and basic baggage handling services. The terminal's architecture is designed to harmonize with the tropical landscape, offering a welcoming environment for guests transitioning from the national capital. Technical infrastructure is tailored for regional turboprop aircraft, which are the primary vessels used to navigate the inter-island routes between the Visayas and Manila. Flight operations at Sicogon are exclusively managed by AirSWIFT, a boutique carrier that maintains regular scheduled connections to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport. These flights, typically taking approximately 70 minutes, are essential for the island's logistical model, offering a rapid alternative to the longer multi-modal boat and road transits from other regional hubs. Ground transportation from the airstrip is well-coordinated, with resort shuttles and specialized safari-style vehicles providing efficient access to the island's various hotel zones and seaside activities. The facility remains a cornerstone of the Western Visayas tourism infrastructure, ensuring that the pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons of Sicogon remain globally accessible.