Davao Oriental Gov. Niño Sotero Uy Jr. and Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mati Airport Development Project on Monday
The ceremony signified that the construction of the facility is now underway and is expected to commence limited operations by 2026, with full expansion and commercial operations in the coming years.
According to Rabat, the groundbreaking also marked a milestone in the city’s push for enhanced air connectivity and economic expansion.
Mati Airport has remained non-operational for nearly 50 years since its construction in 1976.
“After almost 49 years, it is with great pride and profound excitement that we gather here today for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mati City Airport Development Project,” Rabat said in her message.
With plans to accommodate an Airbus A330 in the future, the redevelopment of the nearly five-decade-old airport is expected to transform Mati into a key gateway for tourism, trade, and investment.
Based on the initial plans, the airport will first be operational for smaller aircraft, with future expansion to accommodate larger propeller-driven planes and, eventually, an Airbus A330—a move expected to drive Mati’s tourism, commerce, and logistics sectors.
“This redevelopment project of the Mati Airport is not merely about developing its building and runway; it is about forging connections, fostering opportunities, and shaping a brighter future for our beloved city and its people. As we embark on this ambitious endeavor, we are laying the foundation for a gateway that will connect Mati City to the world, ushering in new possibilities for trade, tourism, and economic growth,” Rabat said.
Rabat emphasized that this development goes beyond infrastructure but also about forging connections, fostering opportunities, and shaping a brighter future for Mati City and its people.
“The Mati City Airport Redevelopment Project is a symbol of our resilience, our aspirations, and our unwavering belief in the potential of our city. Together, we will soar to new heights and make Mati City a shining beacon of progress and innovation,” she said.
Once completed, the Mati Airport Development Project will not only improve the city’s connectivity but is also expected to solidify its status as one of Mindanao’s premier tourist and investment destinations.
Meanwhile, Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) Director Tanya Rabat-Tan stressed the airport’s role in boosting tourism, making Mati’s pristine beaches, surfing spots, and eco-tourism destinations more accessible to domestic and international travelers.
“Actually, this airport, when commercially operated, is really going to be a game changer. Mati and the whole province can be integrated into transportation corridors. It will pave ways like tourism opportunities but it will also facilitate trade” she said.
Art Milan, co-chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC 11), said the airport is a vital infrastructure project that will benefit not just the City of Mati and the Province of Davao Oriental but also the entire Davao Region.
He said it will support tourism, fisheries, and agriculture, which are the key economic drivers of the province and the city.
Gov. Uy emphasized that the airport will be a vital economic driver, not just for Mati but for the entire province.
“It will serve as a substantial source of revenue, boost local businesses, and attract more investments to Davao Oriental,” he said.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Davao Manager Engr. Rey Obcena described the groundbreaking as more than just a ceremonial event.
“This is not merely a groundbreaking ceremony—it is a groundbreaking for progress, opportunity, and a brighter future for Mati City and the Province of Davao Oriental. This project will significantly enhance Mati Airport’s capacity and is expected to jumpstart commercial operations,” he said.
The project aligns with the national government’s Build Better More program, ensuring modernized transport infrastructure that promotes inclusive economic progress.
