India-based GMR Group remains committed to the delayed Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) project in Cavite, Philippines, but is awaiting government clearances before identifying financing for the development. GMR is currently conducting traffic and financial studies and has undertaken two or three site visits over the past three months.
The required clearances are linked to the Philippine Navy, which occupies the former American naval base where the airport is planned. GMR business chair for energy and international airports Srinivas Bommidala said the company remains engaged with the government and the SPIA consortium while respecting the country’s sovereignty requirements. No specific financing amount has been identified.
The Philippine government has established a technical working group through Administrative Order No. 44, signed in June 2026, to accelerate the project. Co-chaired by the Department of Transportation and the Philippine Reclamation Authority, the group is responsible for expediting permits, clearances, licences and other authorisations and is required to submit quarterly progress reports to the Office of the President.
SPIA is being developed by the Virata-Yuchengco-led SPIA Development Consortium, which was awarded the contract to build and operate the airport in 2022. The project is valued at $11 billion and is expected to create up to 15,000 jobs and generate approximately $500 million in government revenue.
GMR previously developed and operated Mactan-Cebu International Airport and currently provides technical services for the facility. It also developed Clark International Airport. GMR first made a firm commitment to support the Sangley project in August 2025 and will participate as a partner in the SPIA consortium.