Mati Airport Expansion Project Advances with 44.35% Physical Completion
The Mati Airport expansion project, a crucial infrastructure initiative designed to improve air connectivity in Eastern Mindanao, has reached a significant milestone with 44.35 percent physical completion, according to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development-Davao Region (DepDev-Davao). This development is part of broader efforts to enhance the province's economic competitiveness, attract investment, and stimulate tourism-led growth.
Project Details and Funding Allocation
DepDev-Davao emphasized that the airport is a priority project for regional development. "By the end of 2025, it (already) had a combined physical accomplishment of 44.35 percent," the agency stated. The ongoing works include:
- Expansion and improvement of the passenger terminal
- Construction of a vehicular parking area
- Establishment of a fire station
- Installation of an elevated water tank
- Development of service roads
- Creation of roads for ground support equipment
The airport is being upgraded to accommodate turbo-prop aircraft by 2027, which will significantly increase passenger throughput and cargo handling capacity. The project received a major boost after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) earmarked P700 million in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA). This funding allocation includes:
- P300 million for runway, apron, and taxiway rehabilitation
- P400 million for the construction and upgrading of a new terminal
Congressman Cheeno Almario initially announced this allocation in 2025, highlighting its strategic importance for the province.
Economic Impact and Regional Benefits
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go underscored the economic rationale for the investment, explaining that the airport will serve as an alternative gateway, reduce travel time, and help decongest the Davao International Airport in Davao City. "The airport will enhance regional mobility, create new trade and tourism opportunities, and strengthen Davao Oriental's attractiveness to investors," Senator Go remarked.
Mati Airport, originally established in 1976 as Imelda Romualdez Airport, has historically underperformed commercially due to inadequate infrastructure and limited demand. With these new investments, the facility is poised to become a catalyst for growth in Eastern Mindanao, supporting both tourism and trade sectors.
Why Mati Airport Matters for Davao Oriental
The upgraded airport will facilitate access to key attractions such as:
- Mount Hamiguitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dahican Beach
- Pusan Point, the country's first sunrise point
Additionally, it will provide a logistical alternative for freight and business travel. Davao Oriental officials assert that improved air infrastructure can reduce transaction and transport costs, expand market reach, and increase regional economic productivity.
By enabling more frequent and reliable flights, Mati Airport is expected to:
- Stimulate tourism inflows
- Attract investment in hospitality and service industries
- Generate employment opportunities across Davao Oriental
Senator Go stressed that timely execution of the project is critical to maximize economic returns. With the budget now secured, implementing agencies must prioritize efficiency and avoid delays to fully realize the airport's economic and social benefits.
The Mati Airport expansion represents a transformative infrastructure project that promises to reshape Eastern Mindanao's connectivity landscape, driving sustainable development and regional prosperity through enhanced air transport capabilities.
