PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan - A "new and improved" Puerto Princesa International Airport is expected to open in March, officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Thursday.

The construction of the new airport is 90 percent complete, CAAP area manager Engr. Percy Malonesio said.

The powerhouse, administration building, watch tower, and terminal are almost finished, while the security and safety measures, including the air navigation system, have already been tested, Malonesio said.

The taxi-way and runway of the new airport will be longer to accommodate more domestic and international flights, he said.