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
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 Francisco B. Reyes Airport