Philippines Airports Guide 2026
The Philippines has five major international airports serving as gateways to the country's 7,641 islands. Whether you're flying into Manila, Cebu, or directly to Palawan, this guide covers everything you need to know about terminals, airlines, transport options, and travel tips.
Major International Airports
| Airport | Code | Location | Passengers/Year | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manila NAIA | MNL | Metro Manila | ~47 million | Main international gateway, most connections |
| Cebu Mactan | CEB | Cebu/Mactan | ~12 million | Visayas gateway, award-winning Terminal 2 |
| Clark International | CRK | Pampanga | ~4 million | Less congested alternative to NAIA |
| Davao | DVO | Davao City | ~4 million | Mindanao gateway, Mount Apo access |
| Puerto Princesa | PPS | Palawan | ~2 million | Direct access to Palawan, Underground River |
Which Airport Should You Fly Into?
| Your Destination | Best Airport | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Boracay | MNL or CEB → Caticlan (MPH) | 1-hour domestic flight to Caticlan, then 10-min boat |
| Palawan / El Nido | MNL → PPS (Puerto Princesa) | Direct 1.5-hour flight, or fly to El Nido via AirSWIFT |
| Cebu / Whale Sharks | CEB (Cebu Mactan) | Direct international flights; domestic from Manila (1.5 hours) |
| Siargao (Surfing) | MNL or CEB → Siargao (IAO) | 2-hour flight from Manila or 1.5 hours from Cebu |
| Bohol / Chocolate Hills | CEB → Panglao (TAG) | 30-min ferry from Cebu or direct flights from Manila |
| Manila / Intramuros | MNL (NAIA) or CRK (Clark) | NAIA is closest; Clark is less congested but 2-3 hours away |
| Northern Luzon / Baguio | CRK (Clark) | 3-4 hours to Baguio; closer than Manila |
| Mindanao / Mount Apo | DVO (Davao) | Direct gateway to Mindanao's attractions |
Major Airlines Serving the Philippines
Philippine Carriers
- Philippine Airlines (PAL): Flag carrier, full-service. Extensive domestic and international network. Star Alliance partner.
- Cebu Pacific: Largest low-cost carrier. Wide domestic network, growing international routes. Budget-friendly.
- AirAsia Philippines: Low-cost carrier with domestic and regional Asian routes.
- AirSWIFT: Boutique airline serving El Nido, Coron, Boracay — direct flights to island destinations.
International Airlines
Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, ANA, EVA Air, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Scoot, Jetstar Asia, Jin Air, T'way Air, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines.
Philippines Airport Tips
- Travel tax: PHP 1,620 for economy passengers departing internationally (usually included in ticket price)
- Terminal fee: Varies by airport (often included in ticket). NAIA: PHP 550 international / PHP 200 domestic
- SIM cards: Buy Globe or Smart SIM at airport arrivals for data and calls (PHP 300-500 for tourist SIM)
- Currency: Exchange at airport or withdraw PHP from ATMs. Airport rates are reasonable but city rates may be better
- Customs: Declare items over PHP 10,000 in value. Duty-free allowance: 2 cartons of cigarettes, 2 bottles of alcohol (1L each)
- Grab app: Download before arriving — it's the Philippines' main ride-hailing app (like Uber)
- Domestic flights: Book Cebu Pacific or AirAsia for budget fares; PAL for comfort and baggage allowance
- Peak seasons: Christmas (Dec-Jan), Holy Week (Mar-Apr), summer (Apr-May) — book flights early
- eTravel: All international arrivals must complete the eTravel form at eTravel.gov.ph before departure