The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) have taken a significant step to enhance the travel experience at Davao International Airport (DIA). They have successfully installed three additional large-capacity chillers in the airport's arrival area, a direct response to previous passenger complaints about excessive heat.
Directive from the Top Drives Airport Upgrade
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez spearheaded the initiative following a personal inspection in October 2024. During the visit, she identified a malfunctioning chiller as the primary cause of discomfort. Secretary Lopez emphasized that the move aligns with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s directive for all national airports to prioritize passenger comfort and ensure smoother, safer travel.
"These three new chillers significantly boost the airport’s air-conditioning capacity," Lopez stated. She also highlighted a new operational standard, mandating that airports maintain standby reserve chillers. This ensures the cooling system remains operational even if one unit fails, preventing future discomfort for travelers.
Passengers and Locals Applaud the Cooling Improvement
The upgrade has been met with positive feedback from the airport's users. Isaiah John Guanzon, a frequent traveler from Tugbok, Davao City, noted the arrival area previously suffered from limited ventilation. He called it a "small improvement" with a "big impact on the overall travel experience," reducing stress for passengers, especially during flight delays.
Reyland Alfeche from Samal Island pointed out the immediate feeling of being "welcomed and comfortable," which is particularly beneficial for seniors, children, and tired travelers. Myque Rollon of Poblacion, Davao City, added that the improved environment benefits airport staff as well and helps create a positive first impression for tourists, potentially supporting the growth of international routes.
Part of a Larger P650-Million Expansion Project
The chiller installation is not an isolated project but a component of the ongoing P650-million expansion and rehabilitation of DIA's Passenger Terminal Building (PTB). CAAP has announced that this major expansion is targeted for completion by December 2026.
The project will increase the PTB's floor area by a substantial 48 percent, from 17,500 square meters to 25,910 square meters. It will also raise the seating capacity to accommodate 1,500 passengers. This expansion responds to earlier calls from Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte in April 2024 for CAAP to address long-standing facility concerns. The broader airport upgrade, which includes the PTB work that began in 2024, is backed by a P1.07 billion allocation from the DOTr.
