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The Best Airports in the Philippines, Ranked
- G de Guzman
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Table of Contents
Why Philippine Airports Matter More Than Ever
Airports are more than just gateways to destinations—they’re the first and last impression of a place. In the Philippines, where over 7,000 islands beckon with their beauty, culture, and adventure, airports play a critical role in connecting travelers to paradise. With international tourism bouncing back and domestic travel booming, the country's airports are undergoing impressive upgrades in design, capacity, sustainability, and passenger comfort.
From Manila’s bustling international hub to green-powered terminals on island provinces, the Philippines is investing in the future of aviation. Whether you're a tourist planning your next holiday, a travel operator creating seamless itineraries, or a frequent flyer, this 2025 ranking of the best airports in the Philippines will help you navigate the skies better than ever.
What Makes a Great Airport?
When ranking the best Philippine airports, we considered:
Infrastructure and design
Passenger experience and services
Eco-friendliness and sustainability
Strategic importance for tourism
Connectivity (local and international)
Innovation and technology
Let’s dive into the top 10 airports in the Philippines that are redefining the flying experience in 2025:
🥇 1. Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
📍 Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu | 🌐 International & Domestic
Why it’s No. 1:
Often hailed as the best airport in the Philippines, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is a shining example of what a world-class airport should be. It serves as a major hub for Visayas and Mindanao, connecting millions of domestic and international passengers to beautiful destinations like Bohol, Siargao, and Dumaguete.
✨ Highlights:
Terminal 2 Design Excellence: The international terminal, with its iconic wave-shaped wooden roof and wide-open spaces, reflects Cebu’s tropical island charm.
High Efficiency: Designed to handle over 12.5 million passengers annually, reducing wait times and bottlenecks.
Green Operations: Operates with an energy-efficient terminal structure and strict sustainability measures.
International Connectivity: Offers flights to South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Middle East, serving as an alternative to NAIA for many global travelers.
Awards: Recognized at the World Architecture Festival and consistently ranks among Asia’s top regional airports.
🥈 2. Clark International Airport (CRK)
📍 Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga | 🌐 International & Domestic
Overview:
Rising as a quieter and cleaner alternative to NAIA, Clark International Airport is fast becoming the airport of choice for North Luzon. Its new passenger terminal, which opened in 2022, set a new benchmark in airport design in Southeast Asia.
✨ Highlights:
Modern Architecture: The new terminal is four stories high and spans 110,000 sq. meters, showcasing the best of Filipino design and sustainable construction.
Inclusive Facilities: Offers gender-neutral restrooms, mother’s lounges, and prayer rooms, setting a gold standard for inclusivity.
Eco-Friendly: Constructed using low-impact materials, the terminal reduces energy consumption by 21% and water use by 26%.
Great Accessibility: Easily accessible via NLEX and SCTEX, with P2P buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services connecting passengers to Metro Manila and beyond.
New Routes: International flights include Seoul, Singapore, Doha, Dubai, and multiple domestic destinations.
🥉 3. Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG)
📍 Panglao Island, Bohol | 🌐 International & Domestic
Overview:
Located on Panglao Island, this airport is not only a gateway to Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and pristine beaches, but also the first eco-airport in the Philippines. It's a must-visit for eco-conscious travelers and is rapidly becoming a key player in sustainable tourism.
✨ Highlights:
Solar-Powered Terminals: A third of the airport's power comes from solar panels, making it one of the greenest airports in Southeast Asia.
Runway Upgrade: Equipped to handle larger aircraft, with a 2.5 km runway that accommodates A321s.
Planned Expansion: The terminal will soon handle 3.9 million passengers annually, thanks to Aboitiz InfraCapital's upcoming private management starting 2025.
Close to Attractions: Only a short drive from Panglao’s Alona Beach, island-hopping tours, and resorts.
🏅 4. Iloilo International Airport (ILO)
📍 Cabatuan, Iloilo | 🌐 International & Domestic
Overview:
Serving Iloilo and nearby provinces like Guimaras and Antique, this airport is often praised for its operational efficiency, cleanliness, and environmental consciousness. It connects the Visayas region to the rest of the country with style.
✨ Highlights:
Modern Runway & Air Bridge: First airport outside Luzon to have air bridges, ensuring passenger safety and convenience.
Environmental Certification: ISO 14001 certified for its environmental management practices.
International Routes: Connects to Singapore and Hong Kong, with growing international demand from returning overseas Filipinos and tourists.
Calm and Clean Environment: Well-known for peaceful ambiance and smooth passenger flow.
🏅 5. Davao International Airport (Francisco Bangoy International Airport – DVO)
📍 Davao City | 🌐 International & Domestic
Overview:
Davao International Airport is Mindanao’s busiest airport and a vital connector for the southern Philippines. With a major redevelopment plan under way, it's poised to become one of the country’s most important aviation hubs.
✨ Highlights:
Strategic Expansion: A ₱12.9 billion renovation plan will expand terminal space, improve security systems, and increase flight frequency.
Agricultural Export Hub: Plays a key role in exporting Davao’s bananas, durians, and other produce to international markets.
Future Terminal Upgrade: Plans include smart gates, automated baggage systems, and AI-powered crowd management.
🏅 6. Laguindingan Airport (CGY)
📍 Misamis Oriental (near Cagayan de Oro & Iligan) | 🌐 Domestic with upcoming international status
Overview:
Laguindingan Airport is the primary gateway to Northern Mindanao, including cities like Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Camiguin. It’s seeing rapid growth in passenger traffic and infrastructure upgrades.
✨ Highlights:
Runway Upgrades: Being extended to accommodate night flights and wider-body aircraft.
Planned Terminal Expansion: Targeted for international operations by 2026 under the PPP program.
Proximity to Tourist Spots: Closest airport to Camiguin Island, Bukidnon, and Mt. Kitanglad eco-parks.
🏅 7. Kalibo International Airport (KLO)
📍 Kalibo, Aklan | 🌐 International & Domestic
Overview:
The top entry point for international travelers headed to Boracay Island, Kalibo International Airport remains a vital cog in Philippine tourism.
✨ Highlights:
Direct Flights from Asia: Flights available from South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Malaysia.
Terminal Development: Ongoing upgrades aim to improve congestion and passenger comfort.
Alternative to Caticlan: Offers larger runway space and is accessible via 90-minute van transfer to Boracay.
🏅 8. Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS)
📍 Puerto Princesa, Palawan | 🌐 International & Domestic
Overview:
The crown jewel of Palawan’s air network, this airport is key to accessing the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
✨ Highlights:
Award-Winning Terminal: Clean, bright, and relatively new, with room for further expansion.
Eco-Conscious: Located within a protected area, operations follow strict environmental protocols.
Gateway to El Nido & San Vicente: Excellent road access to these top-tier tourist destinations.
🏅 9. Zamboanga International Airport (ZAM)
📍 Zamboanga City | 🌐 Domestic with limited international
Overview:
Serving the Zamboanga Peninsula, this airport is small but vital. A new terminal is being planned to support international growth and safer operations.
✨ Highlights:
Strategic Gateway: Connects Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu.
Security & Customs Facilities: Well-equipped for Mindanao’s special economic zones and maritime trade.
Upcoming Redevelopment: A ₱700 million terminal expansion plan is in motion.
🏅 10. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA – MNL)
📍 Pasay City, Metro Manila | 🌐 Main International Gateway
Overview:
Despite facing issues of congestion, NAIA is still the country’s busiest airport and its main link to the rest of the world. It serves over 40 million passengers annually.
✨ Highlights:
Multiple Terminals: Four terminals handle domestic and international flights separately.
Ongoing Privatization: A ₱170 billion redevelopment and privatization plan (led by SMC-SAP) is expected to dramatically improve efficiency and passenger experience by 2029.
Connectivity: Offers the most international flight options from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Why Book with Astro Travel and Tours Philippines?
At Astro Travel and Tours Philippines, we don’t just help you reach these destinations—we make the experience seamless, exciting, and unforgettable. As a leading B2B and B2C travel agency in the Philippines, we specialize in curated Philippine tour packages, airport assistance, transportation, and end-to-end travel solutions.
✅ What We Offer:
Custom tour packages from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and other key airports
Domestic flight booking assistance
Visa and travel documentation support
Private and group tours, perfect for every traveler type
Reliable airport transfers and hotel partnerships
Your Next Adventure Starts in the Sky
Whether you're jetting off to Boracay via Kalibo, diving into Palawan’s turquoise waters, or flying through Cebu’s world-class terminals, knowing which airport to use can make or break your travel plans.
Book with Astro Travel and Tours Philippines today for seamless travel planning from your arrival gate to your dream destination. Let us help you experience the Philippines the way it’s meant to be seen—stress-free, unforgettable, and beautiful.
Explore smarter. Travel better. Fly with Astro.
Message us today via the number or email below or visit www.astrotraveltours.com to explore our latest Philippine travel packages, get expert advice, and book with confidence.
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