San Vicente Airport (SWL)

San Vicente Airport (IATA: SWL, ICAO: RPSV) serves as the primary air gateway to the municipality of San Vicente in northern Palawan, Philippines. It provides direct access for tourists visiting the area's key attractions, including the expansive Long Beach and the tranquil coastal community of Port Barton. The airport's presence has significantly reduced travel time from major cities, positioning San Vicente as a more accessible eco-tourism destination distinct from the province's other hubs like Puerto Princesa and El Nido.

Inaugurated for commercial flights in November 2018, the airport was a strategic infrastructure project designed to unlock the tourism potential of the region. Its development is aligned with a master plan focused on sustainable and environmentally conscious growth. The airport is classified as a Class 2 Principal airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, capable of handling turboprop and smaller jet aircraft.

Located in Barangay San Isidro, the airport is approximately 7 kilometers from the San Vicente town proper. Travelers heading to the more popular destination of Port Barton face a land journey of about 50 kilometers, which typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Access from the airport is primarily through pre-booked vans, which are the most common mode of transport for tourists. Local tricycles and motorcycle taxis (habal-habal) are also available for shorter distances.

Operations at San Vicente Airport are exclusively domestic. Flights connect the town to major hubs like Manila and Clark, though schedules are often limited and can be seasonal. Sunlight Air is one of the main carriers providing regular services. The airport does not handle international flights, and passenger volume is modest compared to larger Philippine airports.

The facility consists of a single, modern terminal building designed with functionality in mind. Inside, passengers will find essential amenities including check-in desks, a boarding lounge, public restrooms, and a few small stalls selling snacks and refreshments. The offerings are basic, with no extensive retail stores or executive lounges.

For practical travel, it is highly recommended to arrange ground transportation in advance, particularly for transfers to Port Barton, as options upon arrival may be limited. Although the airport is small, arriving 1.5 to 2 hours before a scheduled departure is advisable. Mobile connectivity can be unreliable in the area, so it is wise to have important travel documents and maps saved offline.