Changi Airport Group Among Top Bidders to Modernise Davao Airport by 2026

Big changes are coming for Davao’s main airport. The government is eyeing to finalise a private partner by 2026 for a multi-billion peso modernisation plan, and Singapore’s Changi Airport Group has emerged as one of the leading bidders.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the search for a private sector partner is now in the final stretch. Once approved, the winning bidder will handle the rehabilitation, operations, and maintenance of Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DIA) under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) setup.

Image credit: juliapelomundo_ and chengang_cao | Instagram

Singapore’s Changi Airport Group, known worldwide for running one of the best airports on the planet, is a strong contender to take charge of DIA’s transformation. Its decades of experience managing award-winning airports could turn Davao into a more efficient, passenger-friendly, and globally competitive gateway.

Changi recently reclaimed the title of World’s Best Airport at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards in Madrid, its 13th win overall. It also took home awards for Best Airport in Asia, Best Airport Dining Experience, and World’s Best Airport Washrooms. Travel + Leisure ranked it the second-best airport in the world, just behind Istanbul Airport.

Also read: Two Philippine Airports Named Among the Best in Asia

Image credit: Make It Davao Website | Davao International Airport

The Davao International Airport upgrade will be implemented under a Rehabilitate–Operate–Transfer (ROT) scheme worth P16.048 billion. The project is part of a bundled airport programme that also covers upgrades for Southern Luzon International Airport in Albay and Sayak Airport in Siargao.

The proposed 30-year concession for Davao and Albay airports will include:

• Terminal expansion

• New facilities and modern systems

• Upgraded runways and infrastructure

• Improved passenger amenities

On top of that, the DOTr has allotted P650 million to expand DIA’s terminal from 17,500 to 25,910 square metres by 2026. The expansion will raise passenger capacity from 1,500 to 2,200 and create about 4,000 construction jobs during development.

Image credit: Europefly Website | Francisco Bangoy International Airport

The project is currently in the original proponent selection (OPS) stage, with the chosen proposal expected to be awarded by 2026. After that, it will move to a comparative selection phase, allowing other companies to challenge the bid. This ensures transparency and competition before the final go-signal from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Once approved, the long-awaited upgrade will finally take off, giving Mindanao a world-class airport that can compete with Asia’s best.

Also read: I Survived 24 Hours in Changi Airport: My Essential Tips for Crazy Flight Cancellations

Image credit: chengang_cao | Instagram

For travellers, this means better facilities, shorter lines, and more flight options to and from Mindanao. For the local economy, it means jobs, tourism, and stronger trade links for the southern Philippines.

If Changi wins the bid, Davao could soon have an airport that delivers the same level of comfort and efficiency, making Singapore’s Changi a global benchmark.

The modernisation of Davao International Airport could reshape travel across the southern Philippines. With Changi Airport Group in the running, the project promises smoother travel, more jobs, and a world-class airport experience for every Filipino.

Featured Image credit: TCB Group Website | Changi Airport