MANILA – The United States government is funding the feasibility study for the proposed Sangley Point International Airport, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced Tuesday.

The agency said the study will support the development of the airport to help meet the Philippines’ projected aviation demand and establish security measures for potential direct flights to major U.S. aviation hubs.

“The high volume of direct international travel between the United States and the Philippines reflects the steadfast friendship of our two countries, and we share a desire to see passenger traffic flourish safely and efficiently,” said Thomas Hardy.

He added that the initiative forms part of shared priorities with the Philippine government to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The USTDA did not disclose the funding amount but said the grant was awarded to Philippine project developer Cavitex Holdings Inc., which selected California-based The S-A-P Group LLC to conduct the study.

The U.S. firm will provide technical expertise, including air traffic forecasts, financial analysis, and recommendations on advanced airport security systems for an airport expected to handle direct flights to the United States.

The USTDA said the study will also promote the use of U.S.-developed technologies such as screening systems, airport construction components, telecommunications networks, and other aviation security equipment.

It added that the project aligns with the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity and economic resilience in key areas of the Philippines.

Cavitex Holdings president and CEO Leonides Virata welcomed the grant, saying it would help accelerate planning and implementation of the airport project through access to international expertise and technology.

She said the Sangley Point project is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs and unlock billions in economic activity once completed.

The proposed airport aims to ease congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which served about 52 million passengers in 2025.