โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) is the airport people use for Coron, but physically it is a Busuanga airfield serving the wider Calamian group rather than a terminal sitting in Coron town itself. That distinction shapes the whole passenger experience. You land on northern Palawanโs ranch-and-hill landscape and then continue by road to Coron port, hotels, or resort transfer points, so the airport functions as the first stage of a longer island journey rather than as a doorstep terminal. CAAP treats it as Francisco B. Reyes (Busuanga) Airport, which is a better description of its role than the simplified tourism habit of calling it merely 'Coron airport.'
The terminal itself is much smaller than the scale of Coron tourism might lead first-time visitors to expect. This is not a large resort-airport complex with multiple piers or a heavy retail program; it is a compact domestic facility built around quick aircraft turnaround, short walking distances, and simple landside processing. The atmosphere is closer to a busy provincial gateway than to a polished international leisure terminal. That matters because almost all of the airportโs real complexity happens after arrival, when passengers sort into hotel vans, shared transfers, dive-resort pickups, or pier-bound vehicles headed toward Coron and the outlying islands.
What makes USU distinctive is the mismatch between the modest terminal and the outsized fame of the destination it serves. Travelers arrive through a straightforward provincial airport and then continue toward some of the Philippinesโ most photographed limestone lagoons, wreck-diving sites, and island resorts. The terminal therefore feels less like the destination itself and more like a pressure valve between heavy tourism demand and the practical limits of island infrastructure. That is why Busuanga can be both very busy and still operationally simple: the airportโs job is not to impress with architecture, but to keep Coronโs visitor pipeline moving through a small airfield that remains unmistakably regional in scale.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) is straightforward due to its single-terminal layout. Always carry some Philippine Pesos (PHP) for shuttle fares and local expenses, as ATMs are scarce outside Coron town center. If you are staying in Coron town, the van will drop you directly at your hotel or the pier. These vans wait for all scheduled arrivals and charge a fixed rate of approximately โฑ150โโฑ250 per person for the 30-40 minute journey.
Most regional carriers do not through-check bags to international airlines, so you must collect your luggage in Manila and re-check it at the international terminal. Most travelers arrive on domestic flights from Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) and then proceed to their final destination in Coron town or the surrounding islands. A unique tip for travelers is to enjoy the scenic drive from the airport, which passes through lush cattle ranches and rolling hills that are uncharacteristic of most Philippine islands. Taxis and private hire vehicles are also available for a more direct and private transfer.
Many of the region's luxury resorts, such as those on private islands, provide pre-arranged boat transfers that include a van pickup from the terminal. Ground transportation from USU to Coron town center is well-organized and primarily consists of shared van shuttles. If you are connecting to an international flight in Manila, allow at least 4-5 hours for the transfer, as flights from Busuanga can occasionally experience delays due to weather or technical factors.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Bislig Airport (BPH) is a vital regional aviation facility serving the city of Bislig and the wider Surigao del Sur province on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Situated at an elevation of approximately 13 feet near the coast, the airport features a single 1,200-meter asphalt runway. The facility serves as a critical transportation node for the region's prominent timber and paper industries and provides an essential aerial link for regional government administration and visitors heading to the spectacular Tinuy-an Falls and the Enchanted River.
The passenger terminal at BPH is a modest, functional building designed to manage domestic regional traffic with high efficiency. It features a centralized departures and arrivals hall that integrates check-in services and a basic security screening process managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Historically, the airport has hosted seasonal domestic services and specialized charters, with recent efforts focused on resuming regular commercial links to Cebu and Manila to bolster the region's growing eco-tourism sector. The terminal architecture is straightforward, providing essential shelter for travelers exploring the natural wonders of the Caraga region.
Amenities within the terminal are minimal, focusing on the essential needs of regional transit. Travelers have access to a basic waiting area and restroom facilities, though there are no on-site ATMs, formal restaurants, or retail boutiques. A few small kiosks in the nearby city provide a wider range of provisions, and visitors are strongly advised to verify flight availability directly with regional carriers and pre-arrange all ground transportation. Ground transportation is primarily served by local tricycles and private vehicle arrangements that connect the airfield to the Bislig city center, located just a few kilometers away. The airport remains a strategic asset for the development of Surigao del Sur, offering a unique arrival experience in one of the Philippines' most biodiverse coastal territories.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Bislig Airport (BPH) requires travelers to be highly flexible and informed about regional schedules. Because the airport does not host regularly scheduled commercial transfers, all connections involve transitioning from a regional flight from Cebu (CEB) or Manila (MNL) to local ground transport to reach the eco-tourism sites of Surigao del Sur. It is essential to verify your arrival manifest and ground logistics at least 48 hours in advance, as the facility operates under regional protocols. To ensure a smooth transition, allow for a flexible arrival window, as operations in eastern Mindanao are susceptible to tropical weather and high humidity.
There is no automated baggage transfer at BPH; all luggage must be manually retrieved and managed through the manifest checkpoint. For crews making regional technical stops, note that the airport has limited on-site refueling, and most regional loops are pre-coordinated with fuel reserves in Davao or Cebu. During the peak summer tourism season, the airfield can see increased volume from private aviation and government charters, so early coordination for ground transport is essential. In the event of an unscheduled delay, re-booking options are managed through the carrier's regional office or the local CAAP administration.
Because commercial frequencies are currently being rehabilitated, early communication with staff is vital for arranging alternatives. Ground transportation is conveniently located near the exit, with local tricycles providing the most common point-to-point service. For a truly seamless connection to the Enchanted River or the coastal resorts of Hinatuan, ensure your arrival manifest is shared with your tour operator to facilitate a rapid transition from the terminal.
โ Back to Francisco B. Reyes Airport