The long-awaited Bukidnon Airport in Barangay Maraymaray, Don Carlos, is now projected to commence formal operations within the first quarter of 2026, according to a recent announcement from a top government official. This development marks a significant acceleration in the province's infrastructure upgrades.
Accelerated Timeline and Official Announcement
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon revealed the updated timeline during a visit to Quezon, Bukidnon, on January 14, 2026. While inspecting a newly opened 460-meter, four-lane detour road in Sitio Kipolot, Barangay Palacapao, Dizon expressed confidence that construction teams could finish ahead of the original end-of-2026 target. "They can do it earlier. I think [mas] papaspasan," he told reporters, indicating a push to fast-track the project.
National support for the airport is strong. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, representing Bukidnon's 3rd District, confirmed that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) under Secretary Giovanni Lopez is actively working to ensure the facility becomes operational as planned.
Strategic Importance and Project Details
The Bukidnon Airport is a cornerstone of the enhanced North–South Economic Corridor under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga) initiative. Its primary goal is to strengthen economic integration and mobility across Mindanao and the wider ASEAN region.
According to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the airport's construction is slated for completion by December 2025, with commercial flights starting in 2026. The initial phase will service turboprop aircraft, with expansions planned by the third quarter of 2026 to accommodate larger jets like the Airbus A320.
With an estimated cost of P2.816 billion, the Bukidnon Airport Development Project is set to revolutionize connectivity for the landlocked province. Currently, road travel to major hubs takes over two hours to Cagayan de Oro and up to five hours to Davao City. The new airport will drastically reduce these times, enhancing trade, tourism, and disaster response capabilities.
Economic Impact on Mindanao's Heartland
Known as the agricultural heartland of Mindanao, Bukidnon's economy, which grew by 3.8 percent in 2024 to reach a gross domestic product of P267.77 billion, stands to gain immensely. Key sectors like crops, livestock, and forestry will benefit from improved logistics and faster market access.
Economists highlight that this infrastructure investment arrives at a crucial time. The airport is expected to unlock new economic opportunities, attract business investment, and solidify Bukidnon's role as a strategic hub. MinDA also notes its potential to boost connectivity within the Bukidnon-Davao corridor and positively impact neighboring provinces across Mindanao.
The project symbolizes a major leap forward in regional development, promising to transform not just travel but the entire economic landscape of Central Mindanao.
