DAVAO CITY — In less than eight months, travelers passing through Davao International Airport (DIA) will step into a terminal nearly 50 percent larger than the one that has served the city for over two decades. The long‑awaited expansion of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) is now advancing steadily, with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) targeting completion by December 2026.
The ₱650‑million project will expand the terminal’s floor area from 17,500 square meters to 25,910 square meters—a 48‑percent increase. The additional space will be dedicated primarily to international operations, adding 8,410 square meters for check‑in, waiting areas, and passenger processing. The result is an airport better equipped to handle the growing volume of both domestic and international visitors.
Bigger, Cooler, and More Comfortable
Beyond sheer size, the upgrade focuses squarely on passenger comfort. The PTB’s seating capacity will rise from 1,500 to 2,200, allowing the airport to accommodate an additional 700 travelers at any given time. More concessionaires will also set up shop inside the expanded space, with the project expected to generate approximately 4,000 jobs for the city.
Recent months have already brought noticeable improvements. CAAP has installed three new high‑capacity chillers in the terminal’s arrival area, resolving long‑standing complaints about excessive heat inside the building. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez personally inspected the new units in January 2026, noting that passenger comfort has improved significantly.
A Gateway Poised for Growth
DIA is the third‑busiest airport in the Philippines by passenger volume, serving 4.5 million travelers in 2019 before the pandemic. With post‑pandemic travel rebounding strongly—3.5 million passengers already passed through the airport between January and October 2024—the expansion comes at a critical moment.
Arturo Milan, chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council XI, said the project is expected to have a “positive impact on tourism in the region and in Mindanao, with Davao airport as one of the gateways”. The new international wing will feature a separate baggage‑handling system and carousel, addressing a long‑standing bottleneck where international inbound passengers previously claimed luggage in the domestic area.
Extra Funding to Keep the Pace
To ensure the December 2026 target is met, the DOTr has earmarked an additional ₱450 million to fast‑track construction. As of early April 2026, the project has reached approximately 32 percent physical completion, with work progressing across all contract packages.
The expansion is part of a broader modernization push that also includes the Davao City Coastal Road, the Samal Island–Davao Connector Bridge, and the Ulas Viaduct—collectively reshaping the city’s transportation landscape.
What Travelers Can Expect
When the expanded terminal opens in December 2026, passengers will find:
A 48‑percent larger PTB with dedicated international facilities.
700 additional seats, raising total seating capacity to 2,200.
40 new concessionaires, offering more dining and retail choices.
A separate international baggage claim area.
Improved climate control throughout the terminal.
For tourists flying into Davao, the upgraded airport will mean shorter queues, more comfortable waiting areas, and a smoother transition from air travel to ground transportation—setting the right tone for a visit to one of Mindanao’s most dynamic destinations.
