Evelio Javier Airport

Evelio Javier Airport (EUQ), also known as Antique Airport, is the only aerial gateway to the province of the same name in the Philippines. It is not merely a transport hub, but a facility named after Evelio Javier—a former governor and prominent political figure, which gives it special historical significance. Located in the provincial capital, the city of San Jose de Buenavista, the airport serves as a starting point for exploring the picturesque region, its beaches, and mountains. Following recent modernization, it is once again actively welcoming travellers eager to discover the hidden gems of Panay Island.

The main advantage of Evelio Javier Airport is its strategic location, providing direct access to the province of Antique, which is famous for its natural beauty and eco-tourism opportunities. As a Class 2 principal domestic airport, it mainly serves flights to and from Manila, making it a convenient transfer point for tourists arriving from abroad. The airport is small and compact, allowing passengers to go through check-in, which usually opens 2 hours before departure, and other pre-flight formalities without unnecessary hassle. Currently, the government is planning further renovation of the terminal to increase its capacity and enhance passenger comfort.

Evelio Javier Airport (also known as Antique Airport) is a small domestic airport serving the province of Antique in the Philippines. Since it is not a major international hub, most inquiries are handled through airlines or the country's centralized aviation services. Below is the basic contact information.

• Official Website: Evelio Javier Airport does not have a dedicated official website. It is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
• Inquiry Phone Number: There is no single public phone number for inquiries. For all questions regarding schedules, bookings, flight cancellations, and other flight details, it is recommended to contact your airline directly.
• Address: Airport Rd, San Jose de Buenavista, 5700 Antique, Philippines.
• Email: A dedicated e-mail for passenger communication is not provided. Please use your airline's communication channels to resolve any issues.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the representative of the airline you flew with. It is the air carrier that bears responsibility for tracing luggage.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance with tickets and service-related questions, please contact your airline's customer service.

Getting to Evelio Javier Airport (EUQ) from the centre of Antique province, the city of San Jose de Buenavista, is quite simple due to its close proximity. The most common and budget-friendly method is local motorcycle taxis (tricycles). A trip on them will take little time, and the cost is usually around 50–150 Philippine Pesos, but it is always better to agree on the price with the driver in advance. Jeepneys—a colourful form of Philippine public transport—also run along the main roads. It is worth checking their routes and stops with locals to ensure they pass near the airport.

For greater comfort, you can use taxi services or book a private transfer in advance. This is especially convenient if you are travelling with bulky luggage or as part of a group. The cost of a taxi ride will be higher, approximately 200–400 Pesos. In general, the journey from the city centre to the airport will take about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Another option is car rental. This solution will give you freedom of movement not only for the trip to the airport but also for exploring the entire picturesque province. Parking is available at the airport where you can leave the car.

Since the airport in Antique serves primarily domestic flights, many travellers arrive in the Philippines via larger regional air terminals and then reach their destination by ground transport. Nearby options include Mandurriao Airport (ILO), located approximately 62 km away, as well as Kalibo International Airport (KLO) and Boracay Airport (MPH). Additionally, one can consider flights to Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD) or Roxas Airport (RXS). Buses and taxis operate from these airports to Antique.

Evelio Javier Airport (EUQ), serving the province of Antique in the Philippines, is a small and compact regional air hub. Its structure is as simple as possible and focused on rapid service for passengers on domestic flights, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The airport consists of one small terminal used for all operations—both for departing and arriving passengers. There is no division into international and domestic sections, as the airport exclusively serves flights within the country. Thanks to this, you will not have to worry about transfers between terminals—everything is located in a single building.

The terminal layout is very simple. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers pass through the single security checkpoint and enter a small waiting hall (pre-departure area). The arrival zone is a separate wing or part of the building with a baggage claim belt and an exit to the transport parking area. All key zones—check-in, security screening, waiting hall, and baggage claim—are within walking distance of each other.

Check-in and screening procedures at Evelio Javier Airport are significantly faster than in major international hubs. Due to low passenger traffic, queues here are a rarity. Typically, all formalities take no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure to go through all stages without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, it is enough to follow the few signs available. Given its compact size, getting lost here is practically impossible. The entire path from the building entrance to boarding the aircraft is intuitive and takes minimal time, which is the main advantage of this cosy regional airport.

Evelio Javier Airport, the main air hub of the Antique province in the Philippines, bears a name deeply rooted in local history. Originally known as San Jose Airport, it was renamed in honour of Evelio Javier—a charismatic and beloved former provincial governor. This decision was a tribute to the leader who made a huge contribution to the development of the region and whose life was tragically cut short in 1986.

Although the exact founding date of the airport is not always cited in official documents, its history begins in the mid-20th century. For many years, it served as a small feeder airfield, mainly accepting private aircraft and ensuring communication between the islands of the archipelago. Its role was important for local logistics, but transforming it into a full-fledged regional gateway required serious changes.

A key stage of modernization began in the 2010s when the government of the Philippines initiated a large-scale project to reconstruct the airport. Within the framework of this project, the runway was significantly lengthened and improved, the passenger terminal was renovated, and modern air navigation equipment was installed. The main goal was to enable the airport to accept larger commercial liners, such as the Airbus A320, and thereby open the province to mass tourism.

These efforts were crowned with success: the resumption of regular flights by major airlines, such as Philippine Airlines, gave a powerful impetus to the development of tourism infrastructure in Antique. Today, Evelio Javier Airport is not just a transport facility, but a symbol of revival and a gateway to one of the most picturesque and authentic corners of the Philippines, preserving the memory of an outstanding individual.

Evelio Javier Airport (EUQ), serving the province of Antique, is a small regional airport, so the range of services here is focused on the basic needs of passengers. While it cannot boast the variety of amenities found in large international hubs, it has everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight.

In the terminal, you will find several small kiosks and cafes where you can buy light snacks, refreshing drinks, and local souvenirs. The selection of dining establishments is limited, so for a full meal, it is better to eat before arriving at the airport. There are no specialized VIP halls or business lounges at the airport; all passengers wait for departure in the general hall.

For those who need to stay connected, points for charging mobile devices may be available in the airport building, although their number might be limited. Access to Wi-Fi is not always guaranteed, so it is recommended to use mobile data. There are no bank branches or currency exchange points directly in the terminal; all financial operations are best completed beforehand in the city of San Jose de Buenavista.

The airport is equipped with basic amenities for passengers with reduced mobility; however, to receive special assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. Services for passengers with children are limited to standard restrooms. In case first aid is needed, there is a medical post on the airport territory. There are no hotels, business centres, or conference rooms within the airport itself, but various accommodation options can easily be found in nearby settlements.

Evelio Javier Airport (EUQ) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited but sufficient for a snack before departure. Do not expect a variety of restaurants as in major international hubs. All available food outlets are located in the single terminal, predominantly in the general area before passing security control (landside).

Typically, small cafeterias or kiosks operate at the airport. Their menus offer simple and filling dishes: sandwiches, pastries, and basic hot snacks. This is also a good opportunity to try local Philippine treats if they are available, such as rice cakes or buns. Drinks usually include coffee, tea, bottled water, and soda. Options for a full lunch or dinner are likely absent here.

Prices in local establishments are affordable and oriented towards local travellers. Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal dishes might be difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to arrange food in advance and bring a snack with them. The operating hours of cafes and kiosks depend directly on the flight schedule, and they may be closed during quiet periods. For a more substantial meal, it is better to visit one of the establishments in the nearby city of San Jose de Buenavista before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Evelio Javier Airport in the province of Antique goes smoothly, make use of these tips. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. Despite being a small airport where processes may be faster than in large hubs, extra time will allow you to check in for the flight, drop off luggage, and pass security control without haste.

When going through check-in, keep your identification and ticket ready. To speed up screening, prepare electronic devices in advance and ensure there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage. Standard restrictions include liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, and flammable substances. Power banks should be carried only in hand luggage, not in checked baggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will give you the opportunity to enjoy picturesque views of the coast during takeoff or landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and a quick exit. Since Evelio Javier Airport mainly serves direct flights, transfers here are unlikely. If you have a connecting flight at another airport, clarify with the airline whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Customs control is only undergone when entering the country, so this procedure is not required when departing on a domestic flight from Antique. This is relevant for international travellers arriving at major airports in the Philippines. To save time and money, complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option, and travel light to avoid extra baggage fees. You can also take an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after security screening.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact a representative of your airline or monitor information on the departure boards. In a small airport, there may be a limited selection of cafes and shops, so it is useful to have a book, a charged phone with movies or music, and a portable charger to pass the time while waiting.