A senior regional development official has issued a stark warning about the future capacity of the Davao International Airport (DIA), stating that its current 30-year capacity projection is "actually very short" given the lengthy timelines required for major infrastructure development.
Urgent Call for Expansion Preparation
Arturo Milan, vice chair of the Davao Regional Development Council (RDC-Davao), emphasized that the region cannot afford to delay and must immediately begin preparations for the airport's expansion and modernization. Speaking at a Business Forum at Hukad, Abreeza Mall, Milan highlighted how quickly time passes in large-scale construction projects.
"What's another 30 years? According to a study, in terms of capacity, the airport can still last 30 years," Milan said. "But you know how fast 30 years go, especially with construction, from design to preparatory work before you do the actual construction. We need to really start doing the preparation."
Immediate Expansion and Long-Term Privatization
Milan confirmed that immediate upgrades are already in progress, particularly a planned 1,000-square-meter expansion of the international terminal. This additional space is considered crucial as Davao aims to accommodate more foreign flights and increase passenger load.
The official described the upgrade as a "wing extension" rather than an entirely new building, but stressed it will significantly boost capacity for international travelers. This project complements the ongoing P650-million expansion funded by the national government, which will enlarge the terminal from approximately 17,500 square meters to about 25,910 square meters, with completion scheduled for December 2026.
Milan revealed that the plan involves "adding other foreign destinations" though he noted he was not at liberty to disclose which airlines are currently in discussions.
Game-Changing PPP Initiative
In parallel with terminal expansions, DIA is undergoing long-awaited privatization through a public-private partnership (PPP), which Milan considers vital for the airport's long-term operations and growth. The PPP follows a Rehabilitate-Operate-Transfer (ROT) model with a 30-year concession period.
The airport component is valued at P12.9 billion and covers comprehensive improvements including terminal upgrades, cargo handling enhancements, apron improvements, and taxiway expansions. Major bidders in the process include:
- Filinvest Infra-Solutions Ventures
- JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corp. of the Gokongwei Group
- Singapore's Changi Airport Group
The government expects to grant Original Proponent Status (OPS) by 2026 before entering comparative selection and contract negotiations.
Addressing Capacity Constraints and Future Vision
Milan underscored the urgency of increasing DIA's capacity to at least 3 million passengers annually to avoid future constraints. He pointed out that without necessary upgrades, the airport will struggle to handle growing passenger numbers.
Currently, DIA operates only four direct international routes: Singapore, Doha, Bangkok (Don Mueang), and Hong Kong. The terminal expansion and PPP modernization aim to attract more foreign airlines and open new routes in the medium term.
The airport upgrades align with the 25-year Metro Davao Master Plan, which positions DIA as a critical logistics, tourism, and investment hub for Mindanao. The expanded airport is envisioned to support cargo exports, boost tourism, and strengthen private investment throughout the region.
With a tight 30-year capacity window, major terminal expansion underway, and a PPP modernization plan attracting global operators, the Davao International Airport stands at a pivotal moment in its development. Milan's warning serves as a clear reminder that early preparation and timely execution are essential to avoid future congestion and position DIA as a stronger gateway for Mindanao and the entire Philippines.
