DOTr Injects ₱450 Million to Accelerate Davao Airport Expansion Project
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced a significant financial boost for the development of Davao International Airport (DIA), allocating an additional ₱450 million to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). This fresh funding aims to fast-track the ongoing construction and expansion efforts at the airport, which is a crucial transportation hub in Mindanao.
Secretary's Inspection Visit Highlights Progress
This allocation follows a recent inspection visit by DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez to DIA on January 19, 2026. During his visit, Secretary Lopez assessed several key improvements, including the installation of three additional chillers in the arrival area. These chillers were procured and installed within just three months after concerns were raised about excessive heat inside the terminal during an earlier inspection in October 2024.
Secretary Lopez emphasized the rapid response, stating in Filipino: "Three months since our last visit here, CAAP was able to quickly obtain the chillers for the airport. Previously, passengers were complaining about the heat; now we can see that passengers are already very comfortable."
Expansion Project Details and Timeline
The expansion of DIA's Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) represents a major infrastructure investment with substantial benefits for travelers. According to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development-Davao Region (DepDev-Davao), construction progress had reached 27.89 percent as of January 8, 2026. The DOTr reports that overall construction progress has now reached 30 percent.
The expansion project involves:
- A total project cost of approximately ₱649,996,250.33
- Increasing the PTB's floor area by 48 percent, from 17,500 square meters to 25,910 square meters
- Boosting seating capacity to accommodate 1,500 passengers
- Expected completion by the second quarter of 2027 (with CAAP targeting December 2026)
Comprehensive Airport Development Strategy
This latest funding represents part of a broader investment strategy for DIA. In early 2023, the airport completed renovations of its north wing, and the DOTr had previously allocated ₱1.07 billion for overall airport upgrades. These improvements include the rehabilitation and expansion of the PTB, which began in 2024.
During his inspection, Secretary Lopez also examined the Airmen Examination Center, which aims to bring CAAP's services closer to stakeholders in Mindanao. This facility represents another component of the comprehensive development plan for the region's aviation infrastructure.
The additional ₱450 million allocation demonstrates the government's commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure in Mindanao, addressing both immediate passenger comfort concerns through chiller installations and long-term capacity needs through terminal expansion.
