Francisco Bangoy International Airport

Place: Barangay Sasa, Buhangin District, Davao City, Philippines
Date: August 10 2012, Friday

Thank you Airphil Express for our safe and on-time arrival

It was my first time to step inside the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, the official name of the Davao International Airport. According to wikipedia, the Davao main airport was named after a patriarch of an influential family residing in the city. He donated the land and was used as a main runway for both Philippine Airlines and Philippine Air force at that time it begun its operation. 

Walking to the passenger terminal of Davao International Airport

After exiting the plane, we had to walk on the runway to the passenger terminal area, a typical scenario when riding on a budget airline. 

at the Conveyor belt Domestic arrival Area wing waiting for my luggage

What I loved about this airport is its similarities with Zamboanga Airport. They have both a typical design of a pointed roof which can be compared to a traditional house of various cultures in Mindanao. But Davao Airport's Pointed Roofing are in modern style. I guess Zamboanga needs a major renovation of its airport facilities and design to get along with the trend and as well, create a good impression of the city. It can also be compared to the thorn covered skin husk of its major icon of the city, the Durian fruit.

Visitor's Booth.

For first time visitors in the city like me, one must not miss the visitor's booth wherein you will get valuable information for your Davao trip. You can also get a free city guide map in this booth. The booth is located near the exit of the Domestic Arrival Area.

City Guide Map

Welcome Sign on the Davao Airport Perimeter

The Giant Durian Sculpture.

One interesting sculpture inside the airport was that of creation of Davao's own pride artist, Kublai Khan , named as The Durian. I think every visitors who have been to Davao never failed to have a photo taken with this sculpture. And it can be easily located as it is near the airport's parking lot. Coming from the terminal building, it is located on the left side.

The Giant Durian Sculpture

According to readings I have made, this sculpture reveals not just what Davao is known for, the Durian fruit , but as well it depicts its inhabitants who have long before settled in this area and made what is now the Davao City. These tribes I am talking here are the Lumads, the Muslims and the Settlers.

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