Overview
Francisco Bangoy International Airport is the main airport serving the city of Davao in the Philippines. It is located in the Buhangin district, just 3km from the city center. The airport is named after Francisco Bangoy, a pioneering businessman who contributed significantly to the growth of Davao City.
The airport was originally built as a military airfield during World War II, and it wasn’t until 1948 that it began operating as a commercial airport. Today, it is one of the busiest airports in the Philippines and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines.
Francisco Bangoy International Airport has a single runway and two terminals: the old terminal, which was built in the 1950s and is now used for domestic flights, and the new terminal, which opened in 2003 and handles both domestic and international flights. The new terminal is equipped with modern facilities and amenities, including restaurants, shops, and a duty-free store.
In recent years, the airport has undergone several upgrades and renovations to improve its capacity and efficiency. A new taxiway was constructed in 2017, and plans are currently underway for a new apron and additional parking bays. Despite these improvements, however, the airport still faces challenges such as congestion and limited runway capacity.
Overall, Francisco Bangoy International Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Davao City to the rest of the Philippines and the world. With its strategic location and ongoing improvements, it is poised to continue serving the needs of travelers well into the future.
Terminals at Francisco Bangoy International Airport
Francisco Bangoy International Airport, also known as Davao International Airport, is the main airport serving the Davao Region in the Philippines. The airport has only one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.
The terminal has three levels – the ground floor for arrivals, the second floor for departures, and the mezzanine level for passenger lounges and airline offices. The airport can accommodate up to 2 million passengers annually.
The ground floor of the terminal has domestic and international arrival areas, baggage claim counters, and customs and immigration booths. There are also various shops, restaurants, and cafes located on this level for passengers waiting for their flights or meeting arriving guests.
The second level of the terminal is dedicated to departures. It houses the airline ticketing counters, security screening areas, and boarding gates. Passengers can find a variety of shops and dining options on this level as well.
The mezzanine level is reserved for passenger lounges and airline offices. Passengers can relax and wait for their flights in the comfortable seating areas or use the complimentary Wi-Fi while enjoying snacks and beverages from the cafes and restaurants located on this level.
Overall, the terminals at Francisco Bangoy International Airport provide modern amenities and comfortable facilities for passengers. With its strategic location and efficient services, it has become a major gateway connecting the Philippines to other parts of the world.
Airlines and Destinations
The Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) serves as a hub for both domestic and international flights in the southern region of the Philippines.
The following airlines operate from DVO: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, SilkAir, Qatar Airways, and XiamenAir.
Philippine Airlines serves both domestic and international destinations such as Manila, Davao, Cebu, Singapore, and Tokyo.
Cebu Pacific offers both domestic and international routes to cities such as Manila, Cebu, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore.
AirAsia operates flights to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Kuala Lumpur, and Kota Kinabalu.
SilkAir flies to Singapore, while Qatar Airways offers international destinations like Doha and Dubai.
Lastly, XiamenAir services its route to Quanzhou, China.
Schedules are subject to change and some airlines may offer seasonal flights. It’s best to check the airline’s website for updated information on their respective routes and schedules when planning your trip.
Transportation Options at Francisco Bangoy International Airport
Francisco Bangoy International Airport is the major airport serving Davao City in the Philippines. This airport offers various transportation options to cater to the needs of travelers arriving and departing from the airport.
Shuttle services are available for those who prefer a hassle-free ride. The shuttle service provider offers pick-up and drop-off services to and from the airport, allowing travelers to save time and avoid the hassle of public transportation. The shuttle service also offers various packages that cater to different budgets and preferences.
Car rental services are also available at the airport. This option is perfect for those who prefer to have their own transportation while travelling around the city. Car rental companies offer a wide range of vehicles to choose from, including sedans, SUVs, and vans. It is advisable to book a car rental in advance to avoid long queues at the airport.
For those who want to save money on transportation, the shuttle bus is the best option. The shuttle bus operates daily and travels to various destinations in the city. This option is affordable and convenient, especially for budget travelers.
Train lines are not available in Davao City, but there are alternative modes of public transportations such as jeepneys, taxis and tricycles. Public utility jeepneys, locally known as “jeep” are the most common mode of transportation in the city. They have designated stops and fixed routes. Taxis are also widely available at the airport and within the city center. Tricycles are smaller than jeepneys and operate in narrow streets. They are ideal for short trips or traveling around local neighborhoods.
Overall, transportation options at Francisco Bangoy International Airport are plentiful and provide convenience and flexibility to travelers. Whether you prefer a private car rental or a more affordable shuttle bus, you can easily find the right transportation option to suit your budget and travel needs.
Parking Options at Francisco Bangoy International Airport
Francisco Bangoy International Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options for travelers. For short-term parking, there is a designated parking area located just outside the airport terminal building. The rates for short-term parking start at PHP 40 ($0.83 USD) per hour and increase by PHP 20 ($0.41 USD) for every succeeding hour.
If you need to park your vehicle for a longer duration, there is a spacious parking lot located about 100 meters from the terminal building. The long-term parking rates start at PHP 240 ($4.96 USD) for the first 24 hours and PHP 120 ($2.48 USD) for each additional day.
It is advisable to reserve your parking space ahead of time, especially if you plan to park for an extended period, as availability can be limited during peak travel seasons. Additionally, there are designated spaces for motorcycles and bicycles available at a lower rate.
For those who require assistance with parking or have special needs, there are designated accessible parking spaces located in both short-term and long-term parking areas. It is important to note that parking fees must be paid in cash, as credit card payment options are not yet available.
Check-In Procedures
The check-in process at Francisco Bangoy International Airport can be done through three methods: online, self-service, and traditional check-in.
Passengers who prefer online check-in can do so 24 hours before their scheduled departure time. This option is available to those who purchased their tickets through airline websites or other online travel agencies. After completing the online check-in process, passengers can print their boarding pass or have it sent to their mobile device.
For those who prefer self-service check-in, the airport has several kiosks located near the check-in counters. Passengers can use these machines to check-in, print their boarding passes, and even pay for additional baggage fees. The kiosks are easy to use and come with clear instructions on the screen.
Traditional check-in at the airport is also available for passengers who prefer face-to-face interaction with airline personnel. At the check-in counter, passengers can present their passports or other valid identification and receive their boarding passes. This option is particularly helpful for passengers who have special needs, such as those traveling with pets or requiring wheelchair assistance.
Regardless of the method chosen, all passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow ample time for the check-in process and security screening.
Security Procedures and Tips at Francisco Bangoy International Airport
Security at the airport is taken very seriously. All passengers are required to go through security checks before boarding their flight. This includes passing through metal detectors, having their carry-on baggage scanned, and possibly being subjected to a pat-down search.
To make the security check process smoother, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport early and allow plenty of time for the security check. Make sure your carry-on luggage only contains items that are allowed on board. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be placed in containers of 100 milliliters or less and put in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
Remove any metal items from your clothing, such as belts and jewelry, and place them in a separate bin for scanning. Take out electronic devices larger than a cellphone from your carry-on and place them in a separate bin for scanning. And finally, always follow the instructions of the security personnel.
Customs and Immigration Process at Francisco Bangoy International Airport
Upon arrival, passengers will proceed to the immigration area where they will need to present their passport and other travel documents. They may also be asked questions by the immigration officer regarding the purpose of their visit and how long they plan to stay in the Philippines.
After clearing immigration, passengers will then proceed to the baggage claim area to retrieve their luggage. From there, they will need to pass through customs where their bags may be subject to inspection. Prohibited items such as illegal drugs and firearms will be confiscated.
For departing passengers, they will need to check-in with their airline and proceed to the immigration area where they will undergo the same process as arriving passengers. They will then proceed to the departure gate after passing through security screening.
Amenities
- Restaurants and cafes serving local and international cuisine are available throughout the airport.
- Shops selling duty-free items, souvenirs, and travel essentials can be found in the departure areas.
- ATMs and currency exchange services are available for passengers’ convenience.
- Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected while waiting for their flights.
- There are prayer rooms for Muslim passengers.
- The airport has a VIP lounge available for business and first-class passengers, providing a comfortable and private space to relax or work.
- Baby-changing facilities and comfortable seating areas can be found throughout the airport for families with young children.
- The airport also offers assistance to passengers with disabilities, including specialized parking spaces and wheelchair assistance.
Accessibility Services
Francisco Bangoy International Airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.
These include dedicated parking spaces, wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and elevators.
Passengers can request special assistance when booking their flights or upon arrival at the airport.
Trained staff members are available to provide support throughout the traveler’s journey, from check-in to boarding.
The airport also provides visual aids and hearing loops for individuals who are blind or hard of hearing.
Overall, Francisco Bangoy International Airport strives to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for all passengers.
Connecting Flights at Francisco Bangoy International Airport
When catching a connecting flight at Francisco Bangoy International Airport, it’s important to know your airline and the gates of arrival and departure.
Make sure to check the departure time of your connecting flight and plan your time accordingly to allow for any unexpected delays or long lines.
If you have luggage that needs to be checked in again for your connecting flight, follow the signs for baggage claim and re-check-in counters.
It’s also a good idea to ask airport staff for assistance and directions if needed. Remember to stay calm and aware of the time to make your connecting flight on time.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Upon arrival at Francisco Bangoy International Airport, passengers must approach the baggage claim area to retrieve their checked baggage. Baggage carousels are labeled with flight numbers to help passengers identify which carousel to go to.
In case of lost or damaged baggage, passengers must report it to the airline’s representative at the airport before leaving the premises. The representative will provide a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) which contains a unique reference number to track the status of the lost or damaged baggage.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
Francisco Bangoy International Airport has a well-equipped medical facility that operates 24/7 and is staffed by licensed doctors and nurses. In case of medical emergencies, trained personnel are on hand to provide immediate assistance.
The airport also has a fire department equipped with state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and highly trained firefighters. The fire department can respond to any emergency situation within minutes to ensure the safety of all airport occupants.
Moreover, there are several designated first aid stations throughout the airport that are easily accessible to travelers and staff. These stations are equipped with basic medical supplies, including first aid kits, stretchers, oxygen administration equipment, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Finally, in case of major emergencies that require advanced medical care or hospitalization, the airport has established protocols for quick transport of patients to nearby hospitals through its ambulance services.
Hotel Accommodations Near Francisco Bangoy International Airport
There are a variety of hotel accommodations available within a short distance from Francisco Bangoy International Airport.
Some of the most popular options include Microtel by Wyndham Davao, which is located just 1 kilometer from the airport, Red Planet Davao, which is approximately 2 kilometers away, and Seda Abreeza, which is located about 8 kilometers from the airport.
Other options include Park Inn by Radisson Davao, which is about 3 kilometers away, and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, which is approximately 4 kilometers from the airport.
No matter which hotel you choose, you’re sure to find comfortable accommodations that are conveniently located for your travels.
Useful Tips for Navigating and Enjoying Francisco Bangoy International Airport
– To avoid long lines at check-in, use the online check-in option before arriving at the airport.
– Pack your carry-on bag efficiently to breeze through security. Keep liquids and electronics easily accessible.
– Bring a reusable water bottle to refill past security, as the airport has multiple water stations.
– For a pre-flight meal or snack, explore the various dining options in the airport, including local Filipino cuisine.
– In case of flight delays, grab a comfortable seat near one of the charging outlets located throughout the airport.
– Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs at the duty-free shops before boarding your flight.
– Finally, relax and enjoy the mural art and cultural displays found throughout the airport, showcasing the rich heritage of Davao City.
Contact Information
– Airport Information Desk: +63 (82) 234-8133
– Lost and Found: +63 (82) 234-8113
– Baggage Enquiries: +63 (82) 234-8162
– Immigration: +63 (82) 234-8141
– Customs: +63 (82) 235-9668
– Medical Services: +63 (82) 234-8185
– Tourist Information: +63 (82) 234-7327
– Public Transportation: +63 (82) 234-8183
Airports Near Francisco Bangoy International Airport
If you’re planning air travel to Davao, you may want to consider airports other than Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Here are some other airports in the vicinity:
- Davao City-Papa Francisco Bangoy Intl Airport (DVO) – 0 miles
- General Santos International Airport (GES) – 62 miles
- Cotabato Airport (CBO) – 114 miles
All three airports have transportation options available to reach them. Taxi and shuttle services are readily available from Francisco Bangoy International Airport to General Santos International Airport and Cotabato Airport. If you’re flying into General Santos International Airport or Cotabato Airport, taxis are available to take you to your final destination.