By Queeni Caay/ UM Intern
THE REGIONAL Development Council XI (RDC XI) is working with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to bring back international direct flights suspended during the pandemic.
During a press conference at the Habi at Kape Ayala Abreeza Mall on May 31, RDC XI co-chair Arturo Milan announced that international flights are resuming at Francisco Bangoy International Airport
In line with the 2023-2028 Davao Regional Development Plan (DRRP), the council seeks to boost the tourism industry by expanding the airport and promoting more direct flights.
“We wanted first nga mabalik tung mga (to resume the) international flights during pre-pandemic period katung (such as) Davao to Hongkong, Davao to Jinjiang China, Davao to Kuala Lumpur, and Davao to Singapore. Existing na mana siya og katung (it is already existing like) Davao to Doha,” he said.
“So far, duha pa lang ang nibalik katung (two of them are back namely) Davao to Doha ug (and) Davao to Singapore. Hopefully, we were informed that before the year ends, mu-resume na ang (this will resume) Davao to Jinjiang and Davao to Hongkong,” Milan added.
The resumption of the Davao to Kuala Lumpur flights and possibly Davao-Japan direct flights are still being discussed.
Meanwhile, they are also exploring potential future sights of airports in Tagum, Panabo, Samal, and Davao Occidental.
But for now, the CAAP is expanding and rehabilitating the Davao airport to accommodate more passengers.
“Mu-increase ang capacity (the capacity will increase) by 700 passengers per day at any given time mu-increase ang iyahang passenger road capacity sa atuang terminal (the passenger road capacity of our terminal will increase). That’s really the target. Hinaut ta na ang (we are hoping) CAAP national can have the budget approved for this,” he said.
