A direct international flight from Davao to Bangkok, Thailand is set to be launched before the month of October ends, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Davao (CAAP-11) said.

CAAP-11 added that the Davao-Hongkong direct flight will also resume.

Aside from the international flights, new domestic routes will also be launched from Davao to Puerto Princesa, Caticlan, and Tacloban.

“With the launching of these flights we are anticipating an increase, financial wise that would be additional revenue as far as CAAP is concerned. This showcases the vibrancy of air travel of our region, Davao City in particular,” CAAP-11 Manager, Engr. Rex Obcena, said.

With these developments, Obcena said the number of passengers is seen to grow.

At present, the Davao International Airport has average passengers of 11,500 daily.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has signed a transaction advisory service agreement with a consultancy firm to mark the start of the plan to privatize the airport.

The bidding guidelines will also be crafted for some projects, including rehabilitation and expansion of the airport. The process is expected to be finished within 13 months.

“NAIA privatization took us 13 months, in Davao, we are looking at the same time period if we will be able to finalize the terms of reference maybe within 6 months we should be able to effect the program as far as awarding it… in one year’s time,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

“We have been dreaming of an improvement to the DIA I have been very vocal about it. How can we have an international airport with only one conveyor belt we had a problem. Sana tuloy-tuloy na nangako na si Sec Bautista yun na lang ang ating panghahawakan,” Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Magno added.