Maasin Airport

While Maasin Airport (RPSM), also known as Panan-awan Airport, has seen significant infrastructure developments and upgrades, recent traditional traveler reviews and experiences for commercial flights are unavailable because there are currently no commercial flights operating at the airport. The airport primarily functions as a community airport, with ongoing efforts to prepare it for commercial operations. Local sentiment, however, is positive and hopeful regarding the airport's future, anticipating the economic benefits that commercial flights would bring to Maasin City and Southern Leyte.

What Travelers (and Locals) Love/Anticipate:

• Ongoing Upgrades and Modernization: Extensive construction projects are nearing completion, including the extension and widening of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft like Airbus and 80-seater planes, and the construction of a new control tower, administrative offices, and a cargo terminal. This signals a readiness for future commercial operations.
• New Passenger Terminal Building: A new passenger terminal building, inaugurated in 2018, is designed to handle 300 passengers daily.
• Potential for Increased Connectivity: Locals and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) eagerly await the establishment of commercial routes, particularly to Cebu and Manila, which would significantly improve travel convenience and boost tourism, especially for dive operators.
• Local Economic Boost: The full operationalization of the airport is expected to create numerous job opportunities and stimulate the local economy.

Common Complaints (or Current Limitations):

• No Commercial Flights: The most significant "complaint" is the current absence of commercial airline services, meaning travelers cannot fly directly into or out of Maasin for standard passenger travel.
• Limited Facilities for Commercial Travelers: As there are no commercial flights, standard amenities such as Wi-Fi and concessionaires for a commercial passenger experience are not available.
• No Dedicated Parking: Parking is currently not available at the airport.
• No Customs/Immigration or Security Lines (for commercial flights): Without commercial flights, there are no reported experiences or wait times for security, customs, or immigration. Travelers are advised to expect potential long lines at check-in and security *if* commercial operations begin, based on general airport travel advice, but this is not based on current Maasin Airport experiences.

Maasin Airport is in a transitional phase, with substantial infrastructure investments aiming to transform it into a principal class 2 airport capable of handling commercial flights. While traditional traveler reviews are absent due to the lack of commercial operations, the sentiment among the local community is overwhelmingly positive, eagerly anticipating the day the airport welcomes regular passenger services.