Mati National Airport (MXI)

Mati National Airport (RPMQ (MXI)) is currently undergoing a significant rehabilitation and upgrade project and is not yet fully operational for commercial flights. Therefore, recent traveler reviews and experiences specifically for commercial operations at the airport are not available. The airport is anticipated to begin turboprop aircraft operations in 2027, with jet services following further upgrades.

What Travelers Love (Future Potential & Anticipated Improvements):

• New Terminal Building and Modern Design: A new passenger terminal building with a modern design inspired by local culture is part of the rehabilitation project. The Department of Transportation aims to complete this by 2026.
• Enhanced Facilities and Infrastructure: The project includes a spacious parking facility and upgrades to runways and taxiways to accommodate larger aircraft. The runway is planned to expand from 1.6 km to 2.1 km to accommodate Airbus 320 aircraft.
• Economic and Tourism Gateway: Officials anticipate the upgraded airport will boost the local economy and tourism in Davao Oriental, positioning Mati City as a gateway to economic growth and tourism in Mindanao.
• Alternative Regional Airport: Mati Airport is being developed to serve as an alternative airport for the Davao region in case of emergencies or calamities.

Common Complaints (Current Limitations):

• Not Yet Fully Commercial: The primary complaint from a traveler's perspective is that commercial flights are not yet operational, requiring travelers to use Davao International Airport (DVO) as their initial point of entry.
• Historical Underutilization: Prior to the current rehabilitation, Mati Airport had remained underutilized for decades.

Currently, travelers heading to Mati typically fly into Davao International Airport (DVO), which is approximately 160 kilometers away, and then take ground transportation (bus, van, or private transfer) to Mati, a journey that can take around three to four hours. The ongoing upgrade of Mati National Airport aims to transform it into a vital transportation hub, significantly improving direct access to Davao Oriental by 2027 for turboprop aircraft and later for jet services.