โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Mati Airport (MXI), also known as Imelda R. Marcos Airport, serves the city of Mati and the province of Davao Oriental in the southeastern Philippines. The terminal is a simple, functional structure that primarily caters to general aviation, private charters, and occasional domestic regional flights. it provides an essential air link for this scenic part of Mindanao, which is famous for its white-sand beaches and diverse natural attractions.
Inside the terminal, facilities are basic, featuring a small waiting area and administrative offices for airport management. There are no substantial retail or dining options on-site, so travelers are encouraged to bring their own refreshments and essentials. The airport has undergone several maintenance projects to improve its runway and facilities, aiming to boost local tourism and support regional connectivity. It serves as a convenient alternative to the long overland journey from Davao City for those heading to the eastern coast of Mindanao.
Ground transportation to Mati city center and nearby tourist destinations like Dahican Beach is readily available via local tricycles and pre-arranged private vehicles. The airport's location near Pujada Bay offers travelers stunning views of the coastal landscapes during arrival and departure. It remains an important infrastructure point for the development of Davao Oriental, facilitating the movement of people and supporting the local tourism and agricultural sectors.
๐ Connection Tips
As of March 12, 2026, Mati Airport (MXI) is still best treated as a redevelopment project rather than a normal scheduled gateway, even though local and national officials have been pushing the site toward operations for smaller aircraft. Do not build a wider itinerary around MXI unless you have current confirmation from the operator or local authorities that your specific charter or special flight is actually going ahead on the date you need. For most visitors headed to Dahican, Pujada Bay, or provincial business in Mati, the safest connection strategy is still to treat DVO as the air gateway and regard MXI as a developing future option rather than the primary plan.
For most real-world trips to Mati and Davao Oriental, the dependable plan remains flying into Davao City's Francisco Bangoy International Airport and finishing the journey by road. If you do have approved access to MXI, keep expectations conservative: facilities are limited, fallback transport at the airfield is thin, and the airport does not yet function like an established commercial domestic terminal with robust recovery options.
That onward transfer can take several hours depending on traffic and the exact destination, so it is worth deciding in advance whether you need a bus, van, private car, or hotel-arranged pickup. Have a local contact in Mati, carry the driver's number and accommodation details offline, and make sure any pickup understands the exact arrival point and timing because there may be less on-site passenger handling than travelers are used to.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Dr. Juan C. Angara Airport (BQA/RPUR), also known as Baler Airport, is a community-class aviation facility serving the province of Aurora in the Philippines. Located in Barangay San Isidro within the municipality of San Luis, approximately 7 kilometers from Baler city center, the airport provides the primary aerial gateway to the region known as the "birthplace of Philippine surfing." Named after Juan Calderรณn Angara, father of former provincial governor Bella Angara and Senator Edgardo Angara, the airport plays a vital role in supporting Aurora's growing tourism economy.
The airport operates from a modest single-story terminal building that manages all domestic arrivals and departures, designed for functional efficiency in handling the seasonal influx of surfing enthusiasts and regional travelers. The terminal features basic check-in counters, a small waiting area with simple seating, essential restroom facilities, and a compact baggage handling area suited to the small regional aircraft that serve the route. All operations are conducted manually with personal service, reflecting the airport's community-focused approach.
The runway specifications include a single concrete surface measuring 3,937 feet in length, designated as Runway 5/23, which represents a significant improvement from the original 875-meter sandy loam surface that measured 2,871 feet by 98 feet. The runway extension and concrete paving were completed as part of infrastructure improvements to accommodate larger regional aircraft and enhance operational safety. The airport sits at an elevation of 33 feet above sea level and operates under the Manila Flight Information Region.
Facilities are currently undergoing modernization under a multi-phase development project managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Phase 2 of this development, initiated in 2024, includes construction of an expanded Passenger Terminal Building designed to significantly increase seating capacity and provide enhanced passenger amenities. These improvements complement recent runway extensions and apron enhancements aimed at supporting larger regional aircraft operations and improving overall passenger experience for visitors to this remote but increasingly popular destination.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Dr. Juan C. Angara Airport (BQA) is an exceptionally straightforward and uniquely laid-back experience, as the facility serves as the primary aerial gateway to Baler, the surfing capital of the Philippines. The airport primarily hosts domestic flights operated by boutique carriers like SkyJet and Sunlight Air, linking the Aurora province to Manila (NAIA) and Clark (CRK). A key logistical tip for surfers is the strict enforcement of oversized baggage policies; ensure you pre-book your surfboard space at least 48 hours in advance, as the small regional jets used on this route have limited cargo capacity for boards over 7 feet. Ground transportation is well-coordinated with the local tourism industry.
For a budget-friendly connection to Sabang Beach (roughly 7-10km away), local tricycles are readily available outside the arrivals area. A standard fare for the whole vehicle is typically โฑ200โโฑ300, and local drivers are experts at securing surfboards to the side or roof of the trike. Inside the terminal, amenities are focused on essential needs, featuring a basic sheltered waiting area and restrooms. There are no ATMs at the airport, so ensure you have sufficient Philippine Pesos (PHP) in cash before leaving Manila, as many local transport and surf shops in Baler do not accept international cards.
Because the airport is located on the Pacific coast, flight schedules are highly sensitive to the northeast monsoon (Amihan) and can be subject to weather-related cancellations from October to March. It is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before your domestic departure to handle the manual check-in process. Always re-confirm your flight status with your carrier 24 hours before heading to the airport.
โ Back to Mati Airport