Bacolod-Silay International Airport

Bacolod-Silay International Airport is not just a transport hub, but a welcoming gateway to the famous "City of Smiles" and the sugar capital of the Philippines. Located amidst endless sugarcane fields in the historic city of Silay, it immediately sets travellers in a relaxed mood and immerses them in an atmosphere of tropical tranquillity. This bright and modern terminal, built to replace the old city airport, serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the colonial architecture, natural beauty, and gastronomic wonders of the Negros Occidental province.

The airport distinguishes itself with its thoughtful infrastructure and convenient location, offering tourists a comfortable start to their journey. Here are a few of its key features and advantages:

• Architecture and Space: The terminal is designed using large glass panels, ensuring plenty of natural light and offering views of the surrounding green landscapes.
• Unique Location: The airport is situated in Silay City, often referred to as the "Paris of Negros" due to the abundance of preserved heritage mansions. This allows you to begin your sightseeing programme almost immediately after leaving the terminal.
• Gastronomic Souvenirs: The departure area hosts shops of famous local brands where you can purchase the region's renowned sweets—flatbreads known as piaya and biscuits—to take a piece of the "sugar island" flavour home with you.
• Transport Accessibility: Despite its distance from the centre of Bacolod, you can reach the city in just 20–30 minutes by taxi or specialised shuttles (minivans) that await passengers right at the arrivals exit.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD). Please note that the airport is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and some information may be centralised.

• Official Website: Currently, Bacolod-Silay Airport does not have a separate official website. Information can be found on the resources of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), which manages the airport.
• Information Desk Phone: To contact the airport administration, you can use the number: +63 (34) 435-2531. Please take the time difference into account when calling.
• Airport Address: Airport Road, Silay City, 6116 Negros Occidental, Philippines. The airport is located not in Bacolod itself, but in the neighbouring city of Silay, approximately 15 kilometres to the north.
• Email: An official public email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: There are no official verified social media pages for the airport. Information found on unofficial pages may be unreliable.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your query concerns lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the representative of your airline at the airport directly. For items left within the terminal building, you may contact the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and up-to-date information directly at the airport, please visit the information desk located in the main terminal.

Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD) is not located in the city of Bacolod itself, but in neighbouring Silay, approximately 15-20 kilometres from the centre. You can reach it in several ways, each offering its own advantages in terms of cost and convenience. On average, the journey takes from 30 to 45 minutes, but this time may vary depending on traffic conditions.

Public Transport is the most popular and budget-friendly method. The primary option is air-conditioned shuttle vans (minibuses) that run on a fixed route between the airport and major points in Bacolod, most often from the SM City shopping mall. The cost of the trip is approximately 150-200 Philippine Pesos. This is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between price and comfort. There are practically no direct routes for regular buses or jeepneys to the terminal, so the shuttle is the most reliable option.

Taxis and Private Transfers offer greater convenience, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. A taxi ride from the centre of Bacolod will cost approximately 400-600 Pesos. It is recommended to agree on the price in advance or ensure the driver switches on the meter. The ride-hailing service Grab is also popular in the Philippines, often offering a fixed and more predictable price. For maximum comfort, you can book a private transfer in advance, which will meet you at your hotel at a designated time.

If you value independence, you can rent a car. Several rental companies have counters both at the airport and in the city. This is a great option for those planning to actively explore Negros Island. For those arriving in their own or rented transport, the airport provides paid parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays.

When planning your departure, always allow extra time for the journey, especially during peak hours. If your journey through the region continues, it is worth considering other airports. For example, Mandurriao Airport in Iloilo can be reached by ferry, and Mactan-Cebu Airport by ferry and bus. Also relatively close are the airports in Roxas City, Antique, and Kalibo, which expands the possibilities for island hopping.

Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD) represents a modern and well-organised aviation hub. Its key feature is one passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Such a compact structure makes the airport very convenient for passengers, eliminating the need for complex transfers between different buildings.

The terminal layout is simple and intuitive. The building has two main levels:

• Ground Floor — this is the Arrivals area. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control, and the greeting hall. Immediately at the exit, you will find taxi stands, car rental desks, and stops for other public transport.
• Second Floor — is entirely dedicated to the Departures area. Here you will find airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control. After completing all formalities, passengers enter a spacious waiting lounge with boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal at the airport, navigation causes no difficulties. There are clear signs in English and Filipino everywhere. Movement between the arrivals and departures zones is facilitated by escalators and lifts. Everything is under one roof, making the transit or transfer process as simple as possible.

The time required to complete formalities depends on the airport's workload. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2-3 hours. During peak hours or public holidays, queues for check-in and screening may be longer, so it is better to allow extra time. Procedures at Bacolod-Silay Airport typically proceed efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

For comfortable navigation, simply follow the signs. The zones are clearly separated, and getting lost is practically impossible. Even if you are flying from here for the first time, the simple and logical layout of the terminal will allow you to quickly orient yourself and reach the necessary boarding gate without stress.

The history of Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD) is a vivid example of regional modernisation and development. The decision to construct it was made when it became obvious that the old Bacolod airport, located in the city centre, could no longer cope with the growing passenger traffic or accommodate large modern aircraft. Its runway was too short, and opportunities for expansion were completely exhausted.

Construction of the new air harbour began in 2004 and became one of the largest infrastructure projects on Negros Island. The old airport officially ceased operations on January 17, 2008, and the very next day, January 18, 2008, the new, modern complex began accepting all flights. This transition marked a new era in aviation connectivity for the entire province of Negros Occidental.

The airport was designed from scratch as a world-class facility capable of servicing wide-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A330. Since opening, it has not undergone massive reconstructions, as its infrastructure was originally created with a large safety margin and compliance with modern standards. The main stages of its development have focused on increasing the number of routes and attracting new airlines. Thanks to its capabilities, the airport quickly became one of the busiest in the Philippines outside of Manila.

One of the most interesting facts about the airport is related to its name and location. Although it serves Bacolod, physically it is located within the territory of the neighbouring city of Silay, approximately 15 kilometres northeast of the provincial capital. This strategic location allowed not only for the construction of a long runway but also provided space for future growth while minimising noise impact on densely populated areas.

Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafés and eateries where you can have a snack featuring local and international cuisine, as well as grab a coffee. Additionally, there are shops where you can purchase souvenirs, gifts, and travel essentials.

Comfortable waiting lounges are provided for rest before departure. Business class passengers of certain airlines may utilise the services of exclusive VIP lounges. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile phones and other electronic devices are installed in the waiting areas.

Financial services at the airport are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points, where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. To ensure passenger safety and health, a medical unit is in operation, ready to provide first aid if necessary.

The airport is equipped for the comfortable stay of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, accessible toilets, and the option to request assistance from airline staff. For travellers with small children, there are nursing rooms (mother and child rooms) where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.

Although there are no hotels within the airport grounds, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity, easily accessible by taxi. For business travellers, there are no specialised conference halls in the airport, but quiet places for work can be found in the waiting lounges and cafés.

Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD), being an important transport hub for Negros Island, offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the selection here is not as extensive as in major capital airports, you certainly won't go hungry.

Most dining establishments are located in the public area before passing security control (landside). Here you will find several small restaurants and cafés where you can sit quietly and order hot dishes. This is the ideal place for a full lunch or dinner if you have time before flight check-in. The menu usually features both popular Filipino dishes and universal snacks like sandwiches and pastries.

After passing security control (airside), in the departure area, the selection is more limited. Typically, small coffee shops and kiosks operate here, offering drinks, light snacks, chips, and sweets. This is a convenient option for a quick bite immediately before boarding the plane.

Once in Bacolod, be sure to try the local delicacies. At the airport, you can often find kiosks selling the region's famous sweets: piaya — a sweet flatbread with muscovado filling, and napoleones — a layered pastry with custard cream. This is not only a tasty snack but also an excellent edible souvenir. Sometimes in the cafés, you can find the city's main dish — Chicken Inasal, grilled chicken in a special marinade.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding separate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menus may be challenging. It is recommended to clarify the ingredients and Halal status of dishes directly with the café staff. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain at an acceptable level. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last plane.

Planning a trip through Bacolod-Silay International Airport will be easier if you take a few useful tips into account. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport in advance: 2-3 hours before a domestic flight and at least 3 hours before an international one. This time is sufficient to calmly check in luggage, pass security control, and find your boarding gate, especially during peak seasons, such as during the MassKara Festival.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to avoid queues at the check-in counters. When passing security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Liquids up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Adhering to these simple rules will significantly speed up the screening process.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats will give you the opportunity to enjoy views of Negros Island during take-off and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight without disturbing your neighbours. If you need more legroom, check with the airline about the possibility of choosing a seat at the emergency exit, but remember that this imposes certain responsibilities.

Pay close attention to packing your hand luggage. Besides restrictions on liquids, it is prohibited to carry any sharp or cutting objects. Power banks and batteries should always be carried in hand luggage, not in checked baggage. Rules may differ slightly between carriers, so it is worth checking your airline's regulations before flying.

If you have a transfer planned, especially to a flight with a different airline, leave a sufficient time margin between flights — at least two hours. This will allow for possible delays and give you time to go through check-in and screening again calmly if required. Bacolod-Silay Airport is not a major transit hub, so most connections are domestic.

For passengers arriving on international flights, customs control follows standard procedures. Have your passport and completed declaration ready. Honestly declare all goods subject to declaration to avoid fines. On domestic flights, there is no customs control, but random quarantine inspections may be conducted regarding the transport of certain agricultural products between the islands of the Philippines.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security control, and light snacks — prices at the airport are traditionally higher. Also, study transfer options to Bacolod in advance: sometimes booking a taxi via an app or reserving a shuttle works out cheaper than services on the spot.

In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative to find out the reason and the estimated departure time. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be offered drinks, meals, or other compensation. There are several cafés and shops in the airport where you can spend time while waiting. Ensure your electronic devices are charged so you can stay connected.