Bicol International Airport (Filipino: Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Bikol; Bikol: Pankinàban na Palayogan kan Bikol; ), also referred by some sources as Southern Luzon International Airport (Filipino: Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Katimugang Luzon), is an airport serving the vicinity of Legazpi, the capital city of Albay and the regional center of Bicol Region, in the Philippines. Dubbed as the Philippines' "Most Scenic Gateway", the airport is located in Daraga, an adjacent municipality of Legazpi. The project is on a plateau from Mayon Volcano. It replaced the old Legazpi Airport, which is only from the BIA. First planned in 1996 with initial construction beginning in 2008, the construction was repeatedly delayed until the airport was inaugurated on October 7, 2021. It is expected to handle an estimated 2.2 million passengers every year. While the airport is billed as an international airport, it is classified as Class 1 principal domestic airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. History Planning Plans for an international airport in Legazpi started in 1996. In 1997, a study commissioned by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) indicated the need for expansion at four airports in the Philippines: namely Legazpi Airport, Bacolod City Domestic Airport, Mandurriao Airport in Iloilo City and Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban. On March 4 and 5, 2006, officials in Daraga, where the airport would be constructed, discussed with the barangay captains and Leaders of barangays Alobo, Inarado, Kinawitan, Burgos, Martos territory, Velasco Hacienda, and Mabini over the conversion of agricultural lands into industrial lands for the airport. It is estimated to occupy at least of land, and many families could be displaced from the construction. It will be the first international airport to be built in Bicolandia and, according to Daraga Mayor Gerry Rodrigueza Jaucian, would be a testament to economic growth in the region and of the dreams of Bicolanos, as shown in the following excerpt from the Manila Times: "We’re grateful to the President for fulfilling the Bicolanos’ dream to have an international airport. This is the realization of our quest to become one of the booming regions in the country." Construction and delays In July 2007, ordered the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC; now simply Department of Transportation), to fast-track the paperwork on the planned new airport. Then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo released for its advance engineering study. Tourism secretary Ace Durano has assured the allotment of for the