In a strategic move to strengthen its position as a southern gateway, the Davao City government is actively exploring the implementation of triangulated air routes. This innovative approach aims to sustain and expand the city's international links, attract new investments, boost trade, and unlock greater tourism opportunities for the region.
Shifting Away from the Manila-Centric Model
Romeo L. Castañaga, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-Davao), outlined the new strategy during a media forum on January 9, 2025. He explained that the traditional point-to-point flight model is being re-evaluated in favor of a more efficient, multi-destination loop system. Triangulated routes allow airlines to connect Davao with several domestic and international stops in one continuous flight path, making operations more commercially viable by pooling passenger volume.
Castañaga emphasized that this model reduces Mindanao's heavy reliance on Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as the primary transit hub. "Mindanao’s current air travel setup remains largely dependent on flights routed through Metro Manila," he noted. This dependency limits passenger traffic, increases total travel time, and can discourage investors and tourists seeking direct connections.
Proposed Routes and Broader Vision
Under the proposed model, a single flight could, for example, link Davao with domestic tourism hubs like Siargao or Cebu before proceeding to Manado in Indonesia, which could then connect to Bali. "Some passengers are not only traveling to Manado but also to other destinations. Triangulated routes increase passenger volume and ensure sustainability," Castañaga stated.
He revealed that major carriers Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have already shown interest in reviving the Davao-Manado route, a key link in the post-pandemic recovery plan. A working group, in coordination with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and airline partners, is assessing how to ensure the route's long-term viability.
Beyond established networks, a special committee on air connectivity—co-chaired by the Department of Tourism in Region 11—is identifying potential direct-flight destinations outside the traditional BIMP-Eaga (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area) network. Currently, Davao maintains direct international flights to Bangkok, Singapore, China, and Doha, with plans to resume connections to Japan and possibly Kuala Lumpur.
A Comprehensive Economic Corridor Approach
The aviation strategy is part of a larger economic corridor approach focusing on regional clusters. One highlighted example is the Mindanao-Sulawesi corridor, which integrates trade, tourism, and socio-cultural exchanges. Castañaga stressed that improving air connectivity requires a decentralized, region-driven network rather than a Manila-centric one.
The expansion is expected to benefit not just Davao City but the entire Mindanao region. Improved access will support emerging tourism destinations, agricultural export points, and business centers in nearby provinces. This development could stimulate job creation, strengthen regional value chains, and help reduce the economic concentration in Luzon.
Sea connectivity is also under exploration as part of Davao's broader transport and trade strategy, with untapped opportunities for private-sector investment in shipping routes.
Castañaga concluded that building a stronger Mindanao air travel system is essential for positioning the island as a competitive economic and tourism hub in Southeast Asia. He underscored that success depends on coordinated efforts among national agencies, local governments, tourism stakeholders, and the private sector to ensure consistent passenger demand and route profitability.
