Davao City is Mindanao's largest city and one of the Philippines' most dynamic urban centers -- a place known for its durian, its safety, its fresh seafood, and its position as the gateway to some of the most spectacular natural areas in the country. Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), named after a former Davao mayor, is the main entry point for Davao and handles a substantial volume of both domestic and international flights. This guide covers everything about arriving, departing, and connecting through Davao Airport.
Airport Basics
Francisco Bangoy International Airport is located in Buhangin district, approximately 11 km from Davao City center. It has a single passenger terminal building that handles both domestic and international arrivals and departures. The terminal has undergone several renovation phases over the years and while not as modern as MCIA's Terminal 2 or the new Clark terminal, it is functional and reasonably comfortable.
The airport handles daily flights from Manila on Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia. International routes include direct services to various destinations in the Middle East (serving the large Davao-based OFW community), plus regional Asian connections including Singapore and Korea.
Airlines Flying to Davao
Domestic Carriers
Cebu Pacific operates the highest frequency of Manila-Davao flights -- typically 5 to 8 daily departures -- making it easy to get a flight at your preferred time. Philippine Airlines runs 3 to 5 daily Manila-Davao services, including some operated by PAL Express. AirAsia Philippines operates 2 to 4 daily Manila-Davao flights. Flight time from Manila to Davao is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
Regional connections from Davao include flights to Cebu (Cebu Pacific and PAL), Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Zamboanga, and other Mindanao cities. Davao is a useful hub for exploring eastern and southern Mindanao without transiting through Manila.
International Routes
Davao's international routes include flights to Singapore (Cebu Pacific), Abu Dhabi and Dubai (Philippine Airlines codeshare), and Korea (various carriers). Check current schedules as international route availability from Davao has changed with airline network adjustments.
Getting from the Airport to Davao City
Grab
Grab is well-established in Davao City and is available at the airport. The Grab pickup area is outside the main arrival exit. From DVO to downtown Davao or SM Lanang: approximately 100 to 200 pesos, 20 to 30 minutes. From DVO to SM City Davao or Victoria Plaza area: approximately 120 to 220 pesos, 25 to 35 minutes. Grab pricing in Davao is generally lower than Manila or Cebu due to lower base fares.
Taxi
Airport taxis are metered and generally honest in Davao. The starting fare is the standard 40 pesos and meters run correctly in most vehicles. Expect 150 to 250 pesos for the ride to central Davao. The taxi queue is at the main exit of the arrivals hall.
Jeepney and Multicab
Public jeepneys serve routes from the airport area toward Buhangin and can connect you to the Davao city center jeepney network for 15 to 25 pesos, but this requires local knowledge of routes and involves carrying luggage on crowded vehicles -- generally not recommended for first-time visitors or those with significant baggage.
Davao City: What to Know Before You Arrive
Davao City has a well-deserved reputation as one of the safest large cities in the Philippines -- strict enforcement of anti-smoking, anti-firecracker, and public order ordinances has produced a noticeably cleaner and calmer urban environment than most comparable Philippine cities. The city center is walkable in parts, particularly around the Rizal Park and the Osmena Street commercial zone.
Davao is also the staging point for several major natural attractions:
- Mt. Apo: The Philippines' highest peak (2,954 m), a challenging multi-day trek from trailheads accessible via day trip from Davao
- Samal Island: A 15-minute bangka ride from Sasa Wharf in Davao -- beaches, resorts, and the famous Monfort Bat Cave
- Eden Nature Park: A highland eco-tourism park in the Davao foothills, about 45 minutes from the city
- Philippine Eagle Center: Conservation center for the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, 35 km from the city
Airport Facilities
The terminal has a good selection of food options including Jollibee, Chowking, and local Davao food stalls. Duty-free shopping is available for arriving international passengers. Free WiFi covers the terminal building. Smart and Globe SIM card outlets are in the arrivals area.
Tips for Davao Airport
The airport is compact -- processing is generally faster than at NAIA or even MCIA. For domestic departures, arriving 90 minutes ahead is sufficient on normal travel days. For international departures, 2.5 hours. Davao is known for durian, and if you want to carry durian home, note that Philippine domestic airlines have varying policies on transporting the pungent fruit -- check with your specific airline before buying. Most airlines permit it in checked baggage only, and some provincial buses ban it outright.