Airport Terminal in Davao was searched in December 2026
The Davao International Airport (DIA) is set to undergo a significant expansion, with the Passenger Terminal Building set to increase its floor area by nearly half. This P650-million development, scheduled for completion by December 2026, will see the terminal's size grow from 17,500 square meters to 25,910 square meters, a 48% expansion.
The expansion will allow the terminal to cater to and seat an additional 700 passengers, bringing the total seating capacity to 2,200. This increase in capacity is crucial, given the growing number of passengers at the Davao airport. In 2019, the airport handled 4.5 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the Philippines.
The expansion project is projected to generate an estimated 4,000 jobs for the city. These new opportunities come at a time when the airport has seen an increase in passenger numbers on planes, even amidst the pandemic, with numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has highlighted the DIA infrastructure project as one of the infrastructure programs that will benefit many Filipinos. The expansion is part of a broader effort to modernise and privatise the airport under a public-private partnership, which could further improve operations and infrastructure.
The expansion project is located in Sasa, Davao City. From January 2024 to October 2024, the airport handled 3.5 million flights, demonstrating its importance as a key transportation hub in the region.
The project was inspected by DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, CAAP’s Deputy Director General for Administration Atty. Danjun Lucas, and DIA Airport Manager/CAAP Area 11 Acting Area Manager Rex Obcena on July 24. The expansion will not only enhance the airport's capacity but also provide additional spaces for concessionaires, contributing to the local economy.
[1] DOTr, CAAP, and DIA officials inspect Davao International Airport expansion project. (2022, July 25). Retrieved from https://www.dott.gov.ph/news/dort-caap-and-dia-officials-inspect-davao-international-airport-expansion-project/
[2] Davao International Airport to undergo P650-million expansion. (2022, July 25). Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/25/2165993/davao-international-airport-undergo-p650-million-expansion
[3] Davao International Airport expansion to create 4,000 jobs. (2022, July 25). Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/business/companies/784876/davao-international-airport-expansion-to-create-4000-jobs/story/
[4] Davao International Airport expansion to increase seating capacity by 700. (2022, July 25). Retrieved from https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/07/25/22/davao-international-airport-expansion-to-increase-seating-capacity-by-700
The Davao International Airport (DIA) expansion project, located in Sasa, Davao City, will not only enhance the airport's capacity to cater to more passengers but also contribute to the local economy by providing additional spaces for concessionaires. This P650-million development, scheduled for completion by December 2026, is expected to generate an estimated 4,000 jobs for the city.
Finance and industry in Davao will likely benefit from the influx of visitors and increased economic activities due to the expansion of the Davao International Airport. With the airport's growing importance as a key transportation hub in the region, it is poised to play a significant role in the financial and economic development of the city.
