THE LONG-AWAITED Mati Airport Development Project officially broke ground on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, marking a milestone in the city’s push for enhanced air connectivity and economic expansion.
With plans to accommodate an Airbus A330 in the future, the redevelopment of the nearly five-decade-old airport is expected to transform Mati into a key gateway for tourism, trade, and investment.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key national and local officials, including Engr. Rey Obcena, CAAP Davao manager and proxy for CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo; Jun Lido, representative of DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista; Art Milan, co-chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI; Tanya Rabat-Tan, regional director, Department of Tourism XI; Governor Niño Sotero Uy Jr., Davao Oriental; Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat, City of Mati; Vice Mayor Lorenzo Leon Rabat, City of Mati; elected officials from the LGU and PLGU; and heirs of the Rabat and Rocamora families, the original owners of the airport lot.
Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat highlighted the significant importance of the project, noting that Mati Airport had remained non-operational for nearly 50 years since its construction in 1976.
“After almost 49 years, it is with great pride and profound excitement that we gather here today for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mati City Airport Development Project,” she stated.
She emphasized that this development goes beyond infrastructure:
“It is about forging connections, fostering opportunities, and shaping a brighter future for our beloved city and its people.”
According to initial plans, the airport will first be operational for smaller aircraft, with future expansion to accommodate larger propeller-driven planes and, eventually, an Airbus A330—a move expected to drive Mati’s tourism, commerce, and logistics sectors.
DOT XI regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan stressed the airport’s role in boosting tourism, making Mati’s pristine beaches, surfing spots, and eco-tourism destinations more accessible to domestic and international travelers.
“Actually, this airport, when commercially operated, this is really going to be a game changer. Mati and the whole province can be integrated into transportation corridors. It will pave ways like opportunities for tourism but it will also facilitate trade” she said.
RDC XI co-chair Arturo Milan said, “This is a vital infrastructure project that will benefit not just the City of Mati and the Province of Davao Oriental but also the entire Davao Region. It will support tourism, fisheries, and agriculture—key economic drivers of the province and the city.”
Governor Niño Uy emphasized the economic impact of the project: “This airport will be a vital economic driver, not just for Mati but for the entire province. It will serve as a substantial source of revenue, boost local businesses, and attract more investments to Davao Oriental.”
Officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed that part of the long-term vision for Mati Airport includes runway expansions and facility upgrades to accommodate Airbus A330 aircraft.
CAAP Davao manager Engr. Rey Obcena said, “This is not merely a groundbreaking ceremony—it is a groundbreaking for progress, opportunity, and a brighter future for Mati City and the Province of Davao Oriental. This project will significantly enhance Mati Airport’s capacity and is expected to jumpstart commercial operations.”
Mayor Michelle Rabat thanked the national government, DOTr, CAAP, and all stakeholders who made the project a reality.
“The Mati City Airport Redevelopment Project symbolizes our collective vision for a dynamic and prosperous future. It represents our commitment to sustainable development, technological advancement, and environmental stewardship,” she said.
She also called on the local community and private sector to support the airport’s development, stressing that collaboration will be key to its long-term success.
With construction now underway, Mati Airport is expected to begin limited operations by 2026, with full expansion and commercial operations in the coming years.
The project aligns with the national government’s Build Better More program, ensuring modernized transport infrastructure for inclusive economic progress.
Once completed, the Mati Airport Development Project will not only improve the city’s connectivity but also solidify its status as one of Mindanao’s premier tourist and investment destinations.
