Airports in the Philippines go through a lot of development to welcome travellers warmly, especially since the world is gradually opening to tourism. Most of these terminals are constantly upgrading their facilities and amenities to further extend hospitality to tourists arriving in their city. Along with the aesthetic glow-ups that they go through, these airports are out to make an unforgettable first impression for the pride of their city.
Also read: Philippine Airports Operating Commercial Flights During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Airports in the Philippines when visiting Luzon
1. Ninoy Aquino International Airport
We can’t forget the capital’s gateway. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is an icon to aviators and travellers alike who fly to and from Manila. Whether it’s because of its crucial function in national logistics or its role in Philippine history entirely, NAIA is perpetually recognised as one of the most important airports in the Philippines.
The airport may always appear busy, but its hospitality is always present. Moreso since nearby entertainment, such as luxury hotels, malls, and casinos, have opted to peddle their businesses just right outside its entrance. This makes NAIA a highly-prolific facility that is suited for world-class ventures.
2. Clark International Airport
The potential of Clark is endless since many investors want to see this city in Pampanga attract a global audience. Fortunately, the development of Clark International Airport seems to be the spearhead to lay out the foundation of a global city. The architecture of this airport is eye-catching, as evidenced by a few international recognitions. The community surrounding Clark International Airport is lively too, creating a welcoming atmosphere for any tourist who visits the Philippines through Pampanga.
Also read: Central Luzon Destinations: 10 Tourist Spots You Can’t Miss
3. Puerto Princesa International Airport
Puerto Princesa International Airport is a boon to international tourists everywhere. It provides easy access to the tropical beauty that is Palawan. Similar to Davao’s airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport was also built in the early ’40s. It served as a major aviation artery for both the Imperial Japanese Army and the US Army Air Force during World War II.
Since then, this historic airport has served those who wish to see the wonders Palawan holds. It has gone through significant upgrades, among which improved passenger flow in the airport and better navigation systems for air traffic. All the better to ensure that tourists get to Palawan safely to see the Puerto Princesa Underground River with their own eyes!
4. Laoag International Airport
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines classifies Laoag International Airport as an alternative international airport, making it one of the most crucial airports in the Philippines. Apart from that, it is the only airport in Ilocos Norte and the only one that serves the most northern parts of the Philippines. It is a pretty simple airport, but its rustic facade welcomes its international travellers warmly.
While they are rare, Laoag International Airport is one of the few airports in the Philippines that hosts direct flights to Honolulu, Hawaii.
Airports in the Philippines when visiting Visayas
5. Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s popularity rose to prominence because of international recognition. And how could it not? Its tall, towering ceilings, illuminated with warm, amber light, make travellers feel like they’re entering a high-end cabin. Along with the numerous restaurants and hotels that seem to grow more every month or so, this gateway to the city of Cebu further expresses its hospitality generously.\
Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s attention to its amenities, services, and architecture earned them the recognition of many award-giving bodies. In a list where its peers are the likes of Singapore’s Changi Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport remains a humble structure that eagerly welcomes those who arrive and depart from the Queen City of the South.
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6. Iloilo International Airport
Iloilo International Airport serves many passengers on any given day. For one, Iloilo is a great place to visit in the Philippines, but more importantly, it continues to grow as a city. Many establishments like malls and hotels are projected to rise in the coming years in Iloilo. As such, developments are underway to improve Iloilo International Airport.
While the developments will undoubtedly improve the airport, Iloilo International Airport is gorgeous as it is right now. It is simple and efficient when it comes to its services. Most importantly, Iloilo International Airport is bound to flourish over time.
7. Bohol–Panglao International Airport
It is great to see the province of Bohol grow to reach its potential as another prime destination for tourists. This growth led to the development of Bohol-Panglao International Airport, replacing the province’s previous terminal, Tagbilaran Airport. Also known as New Bohol International Airport, this impressive terminal has an optimised design to sustain itself, such as natural ventilation and solar panels. It also has a cute wave roof design reminiscent of Bohol’s pride, the Chocolate Hills!
8. Godofredo P. Ramos Airport
For people who spend (or want to spend) their life by the beach, they might know Godofredo P. Ramos Airport as Caticlan Airport. This airport is one of two gateways to the white sands of Boracay. Come summer, the locals around the airport reasonably expect an influx of tourists who want to enjoy Boracay’s beaches. While this airport is significantly smaller compared to other airports in this list, the world-class service it provides is more than enough to carry passengers to the island paradise of Boracay.
Airports in the Philippines when visiting Mindanao
9. Francisco Bangoy International Airport
Francisco Bangoy International Airport is the main gateway to Mindanao. Situated in Davao City, this airport hosts a few international and domestic flights for locals of Mindanao. However, it isn’t as busy as most of the metropolitan airports in the Philippines. It is also one of the oldest airports in the Philippines, having been built in the 1940s. It has since gone through multiple expansions to accommodate its growing passenger traffic. Phase 4: Upgrade, a program that started sometime in 2015, looks to improve overall operations in the airport.
Make sure to pass by sculptures made by prominent Davao artist Kublai Millan. Among them is a large sign advocating peace in Mindanao. The most accessible of these sculptures is of a large durian, introducing travellers to the Durian Capital of the Philippines!
Also read: 10 Things to Do in Davao — the King City of the South
10. General Santos International Airport
One of the few airports in the Philippines that gained recognition recently is the newly renovated General Santos International Airport. This gateway to the Seafood Capital of the Philippines pays tribute to the province’s most famous export, with its facade resembling the fins of a tuna. A few convenient roads are also connected to General Santos International Airport, such as the Philippine-American Friendship Road. This makes the airport very accessible for people arriving and departing General Santos City.
It’s also not unusual to see a massive Boeing 777 parked in the airport’s hangars. This massive aircraft loads not just passengers, but also massive tuna to be exported all over the world. This makes General Santos International Airport a significant part of its exporting economy.
Also read: Lake Holon Is an Underrated Gem in South Cotabato
A good deal of airports in the Philippines opened up recently, so it is a great time to travel. If the opportunity arises, travel to these places in the Philippines. It is all but guaranteed that Filipino hospitality is up and centre the moment travellers exit their aircraft and get their luggage.
Featured image: Subic Clark Alliance for Development | Official Website
