National Economic and Development Authority 11 (NEDA 11) Regional director Maria Lourdes Lim on Tuesday confirmed that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will continue to pursue the modernization of the Davao International Airport (DIA) this year.
Lim said this will be done through the following projects: completion of the construction of a parallel taxiway; provision of taxiway lights and restoration works; and resurfacing of runway, strip grade correction, site development of the new terminal area, construction of apron and taxiway construction of vehicular parking area and access road.
Meanwhile, Lim said as of the fourth quarter of 2023, the Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA) is undergoing transition activities where the DIA operations, which are currently being handled by CAAP, will be already turned over to DIAA.
DIAA, which was created through Republic Act 11457 or the “Creation of the Davao International Airport Authority” is an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and this will be located at the DIA.
The DIAA is tasked to undertake the economic, efficient, and effective control management and supervision of the operations of the DIA.
“This authority shall also encourage to promote and develop international and domestic traffic in the Davao Region as well as upgrade its services and facilities to internationally acceptable standards,” Lim said during the Davao Region’s 2023 Socioeconomic Performance and 2024 Development Outlook meeting and RDC 11 Year-Starter press briefing at the NEDA 11 office in Bangkal, Davao City.
Moreover, Lim said the region shall also pursue the full operationalization of the Mati City Airport.
“This airport which is closest to DIA will be the secondary airport to DIA. The full operationalization of the Mati City airport shall not only support tourism activities but will also provide an alternate gateway and additional gateway to the rest of the country,” Lim said.
