Mati Airport eyed as Davao’s alternate gateway

MATI CITY (July 29)  — Mati Airport could soon serve as a second air gateway to Davao Region, helping ease pressure on Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport while opening Davao Oriental to more tourists, businesses and investment.

Sen. Bong Go has filed Senate Bill 2325, seeking to designate the Mati Airport as the official alternate airport to the Francisco Bangoy International Airport and direct the national government to prepare for its immediate development.

The proposal comes as air traffic across Mindanao is projected to reach about 15.5 million domestic and international passengers annually by 2050, underscoring the need for additional airport capacity, Go said.

He described the proposed designation as both a practical response to rising passenger demand and a strategic investment in Mindanao’s future.

“As for the Mati Airport, the benefits are clear. It will help decongest Francisco Bangoy International Airport and provide an alternative gateway to the region. Travel will become faster, and it will create more opportunities for tourism and business,” Go said.

From backup to gateway

Under the proposed measure, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) would be tasked to develop a comprehensive master plan for transforming Mati Airport into Davao City’s official alternate airport.

The plan would identify the funding needed for development and operations and cover improvements to the airport’s infrastructure and facilities, including its runway, navigation systems and refueling capabilities.

All upgrades would have to comply with standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other appropriate aeronautics oversight bodies.

Go said he has also pushed for funding for Mati Airport under the 2026 national budget.

For Davao Oriental, however, the proposal is about more than having another runway.

It could mean a more direct route to the province’s tourism destinations and a new avenue for businesses and communities to connect with major economic centers.

Opening Davao Oriental to more visitors

Go pointed to Dahican Beach, Mount Hamiguitan and Pujada Bay as among the destinations that could benefit from improved air connectivity.

“Davao Oriental has tremendous potential as a tourism destination. What we need is better connectivity so that our people can fully benefit from it,” he said.

Better access, he added, could bring more tourists, help local businesses expand and create jobs and livelihood opportunities.

The senator said strengthening regional airports should not be viewed simply as a transportation project.

It is also an investment in regional economic growth and more inclusive development, bringing opportunities and government services closer to communities outside major urban centers.

“Our goal is more inclusive development where no region is left behind. Strengthening our airports is an investment in the future of our economy and in a better quality of life for every Filipino,” Go said.

If approved and fully funded, the proposal could turn Mati Airport from a provincial facility into a strategic alternate gateway—giving Davao Region more room to grow while putting Davao Oriental closer to the national tourism and business map.