โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport operates through a rebuilt terminal complex demonstrating remarkable resilience after complete destruction by Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013, when 314 km/h winds and 4-meter storm surge obliterated the original facilities, requiring total reconstruction to serve Eastern Visayas' 1.69 million annual passengers as the Philippines' eleventh-busiest airport. The current 600-seat capacity terminal building, refurbished and reopened within days of the disaster for emergency relief flights, serves as temporary accommodation while the ambitious P1.96 billion new terminal construction progresses toward completion by 2026, featuring modern international-standard design capable of handling 1,670 passengers and tripling current capacity.
The facility achieved a major milestone in late 2024 with the completion and operationalization of a new P49.9 million control tower replacing Haiyan-damaged infrastructure, enhancing traffic management capabilities for the growing route network connecting Tacloban to Manila, Cebu, Davao City, and Iloilo through Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia operations. The single 2,100-meter runway accommodates Airbus A320 aircraft while maintaining exceptional 4.4/5 star on-time performance despite challenging tropical weather conditions, with runway extension to 2,500 meters planned for 2025 implementation to meet international standards and enable international flights.
Engineering improvements incorporate typhoon-resilient design features including enhanced drainage systems, backup power solutions, and reinforced construction methods to minimize disruptions from future extreme weather events, reflecting lessons learned from the devastating 2013 experience. The terminal showcases Filipino determination and recovery spirit while preparing for international airport designation by 2025, supported by committed national government funding and strategic development plans positioning Tacloban as Eastern Visayas' premier aviation gateway serving both domestic connectivity and future international tourism markets throughout the region.
๐ Connection Tips
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport serves as Eastern Visayas' primary gateway, handling 1. 69 million passengers annually as the Philippines' eleventh-busiest airport. Ground transportation includes jeepneys, tricycles, and taxi services connecting to Tacloban city center. The P2.3-billion terminal modernization project will deliver a 36,000-square-meter international-standard facility by 2026, tripling passenger capacity to accommodate growing regional demand. The airport remarkably reopened within four days for turboprops and seven days for A320s, demonstrating operational resilience.
The airport maintains exceptional 4.4/5 star on-time performance despite challenging weather conditions. The facility operates 47 flights across 4 routes, connecting Tacloban to Manila, Cebu, Davao City, and Iloilo through Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia services. The tropical rainforest climate creates afternoon thunderstorms during wet season, requiring weather-dependent flight adjustments. Current operations coordinate through approach control on 120. 80 MHz and tower frequency 124.30 MHz, with backup communications on 5205. 00 kHz.
A new control tower became operational in late 2024, replacing Haiyan-damaged facilities and improving traffic management capabilities. Typhoon season requires flexible scheduling as the facility rebuilds from complete destruction during 2013's Typhoon Haiyan, which brought 314 km/h winds and 4-meter storm surge. The single 2,100-meter runway accommodates Airbus A320 aircraft, with runway extension to 2,500 meters planned by 2025 to enable international operations. Emergency services maintain typhoon preparedness protocols year-round, coordinating with regional disaster management systems essential for island operations.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Allah Valley Airport (AAV) is a domestic airport located in Surallah, South Cotabato, Philippines, serving as a regional air facility primarily for general aviation, private charters, and occasional local flights. The airport does not host scheduled commercial airline services. Its terminal facilities are extremely basic, typically consisting of a rudimentary structure or a designated open area that functions as a waiting and staging area for passengers. The layout is minimalist, offering direct access from the small ground area to the tarmac and aircraft.
The airport features one unlighted asphalt runway (16-34) that is approximately 1,340 meters (4,396 feet) long. Operations are limited to daylight hours, specifically from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM local time. Due to its general aviation focus, there are no complex interconnected terminals or extensive ground facilities; all essential services are conducted within this singular, basic setup. Walking times from the entrance to the aircraft are negligible, usually mere seconds, highlighting its functional role for regional connectivity.
Amenities at Allah Valley Airport are exceptionally sparse. Passengers should not expect airline lounges, dedicated dining facilities, or retail shops. While there might be basic waiting areas, travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and personal items. Parking facilities for both short-term and long-term stays are available. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with a small, general aviation airfield, primarily involving visual checks and coordination with pilots or charter operators.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Allah Valley Airport (AAV) are exclusively through general aviation and private charters, as the airport does not have scheduled commercial passenger services. Any "connections" made here are typically transfers between private flights or transitions to ground transportation. For travelers seeking to connect to the broader commercial aviation network in the Philippines, the primary gateway is General Santos International Airport (GES) or Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) in Davao.
If your travel plan involves flying into AAV via a private charter and then connecting to a commercial flight, you must arrange ground transportation to GES, which is the closest major airport. The journey from Surallah to General Santos City can take approximately 1-2 hours by road, depending on traffic conditions. Public transport options like jeepneys, tricycles, and taxis are available around AAV, but pre-arranging your transfer to GES is highly recommended to ensure timely connections.
When planning multi-leg journeys, it is crucial to coordinate all segments directly with your private charter operator and commercial airlines. Do not assume inter-airport transfers or baggage handling. If arriving internationally, customs and immigration procedures must be completed at a designated international airport in the Philippines, such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila or Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) before proceeding to AAV.
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