Davao Airport

Arrival to the airport got me the wrong impression of the airport since arrival hall was almost non air-conditioned and with old facilities. Baggage collection slow and hall was dim (but it was 0305 in the morning anyway). Departure hall was the opposite but security was extra-tight following the bomb in 2003. 5 check-points (1st-Searching taxi boot 2nd-When getting off taxi 3rd-Before entering airport 4th-Immediately after entering airport 5th- After checking in and going upstairs 6th-(Optional) Final handchecked point for Silkair passengers) before getting to the lounge. Signage was very good and clear. Plentiful gates and check-in desks. However I was shocked right before the 3rd checkpoint that we had to pay for a mandatory Terminal Fee of Php 550. I thought they would include it into the airline ticket. I ran out of money and was forced to exchange money at the store inside the airport. The lowest possible rates was there they must have earned a lot. Davao Airport is not very good especially with such a high terminal fee. No seats in the arrival hall (for people picking us up).

Check-in is a breeze? I pass there every two weeks and never meet any breeze. Airport tax is 200 Pesos domestic and 550 international a blow in the face of so many people. Increasing over more than 500%! Guests who come to pick me up were send out from the arrival hall like dogs to wait in burning sun with no place to sit or have a drink. A lack of stores and restaurants inside the terminal. Davao International Airport is the only airport where you get your shoes x-rayed twice before you can pass.

Davao International Airport is the only airport where you get your shoes xray'd twice. You have to remove shoes and xray them to gain access to the check-in area. After check-in you move to your departure lounge area and then go through another xray and physical baggage check and again off with the shoes and through the xray machine. Why is this done twice. It causes a backlog at the xray machines as people are trying to get shoes back on and their baggage is clogging up the machines.

The first security check outward bound is on the approach road and includes a search of the taxi boot and a request to examine passports. This is all very reassuring and necessary following the terrorist bomb in 2003. The terminal building is excellent; modern clean and spacious yet small enough to feel intimate and friendly compared with the ghastly Ninoy Aquino Interantional in Manila. Once past the check in desk the layout is stylish yet functional with the upper storey bars and souvenir shop a useful diversion. Final departure facilities are impressive for a provincial airport. There are plentiful seats and spotless toilets. I am sure that the residents of this lovely city must be proud of their airport.

Much nicer than the old airport but issues with security after x-ray they did a hand check because I had AA batteries in my camera which were confiscated. That was a first of course he didn't take the other batteries I had in the case. There is an eating place after security it's the smoking lounge which is OK if you can stand the pall hanging over you. Waiting area is better than NAIA 1.

Good Modern Airport. About 20 minutes to downtown. Has a domestic and international section. Due to security reasons arriving and departing passengers have to get off and on in the parking lot and walk under the sun for about 50 meters to the terminal despite ample arrival and departure space. Not very sensible in my opinion. Airport tax is 40 Pesos but there are rumours it will be raised to Php 200. Once past the 2nd floor security checkpoint where they have a bunch of stores and foodstall there is no place to get food in the waiting lounges.

The new Davao International airport which opened last year is way much better than the old one. parking is plentiful. check-in is a breeze. everything is computerized and the level of comfort surpasses of that the manila centennial terminal 2 (NAIA II). The only drawback is the lack of stores and restaurants inside the terminal.