Dumaguete Airport

Dumaguete Airport (also known as Sibulan Airport) serves as the main air gateway to the province of Negros Oriental and is the starting point for journeys to the famous Apo Island. This small yet cosy airport perfectly reflects the atmosphere of Dumaguete itself, known as the "City of Gentle People": an air of calm and friendliness prevails here. Located literally a few minutes' drive from the city centre and the ferry terminal, it allows tourists to switch almost instantly from their flight to relaxation or further travel to waterfalls and coral reefs.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Despite its modest size, Dumaguete Airport is renowned for its convenience and speed of service. Thanks to the compact terminal, check-in and baggage claim procedures are completed very quickly, which is particularly appreciated by weary travellers. The staff here are known for their hospitality and willingness to assist, upholding the region's reputation.

One of the main advantages is its favourable location. The airport is situated in the municipality of Sibulan, just a 10–15 minute ride by tricycle or jeepney from the central boulevard of Dumaguete and the sea port. This makes it an ideal transit hub for those planning to take a ferry to the neighbouring islands of Siquijor or Bohol.

The terminal grounds offer basic amenities: small cafes serving local snacks, souvenir shops, and ATMs. The departure lounge, though small, is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight.

• Official Website: Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport (DGT) is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Small airports like this often do not have a separate website. It is recommended to look for up-to-date information on the official CAAP portal.
• Inquiry Service Phone: Phone numbers may change. For accurate information, it is best to refer to the directory on the CAAP website or contact your airline directly for flight-related queries.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: Sibulan Airport, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Philippines. It serves the city of Dumaguete and its surrounding areas.
• Email: A direct public email for the airport may be unavailable. For official enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact forms on the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) website.
• Social Media: Official pages for the airport may be available on platforms such as Facebook. Try searching for "Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport" for operational updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: Questions regarding lost or damaged luggage should be addressed directly to the representatives of the airline you flew with. The air carrier bears the responsibility for passenger luggage.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions regarding airport infrastructure, you may approach the information desk in the terminal. If your question relates to tickets, check-in, or flight schedules, please contact your airline's customer support.

Getting to Sibulan Airport (IATA: DGT), serving the city of Dumaguete in the Philippines, is quite simple due to its close proximity to the city centre — just a few kilometres away. The journey usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes, and the choice of transport allows you to find an option for any budget: from colourful local motorcycle taxis to comfortable transfers.

Tricycle (motorcycle taxi) — the most popular and authentic way to get to the airport. These motorcycles with a passenger sidecar are found at every turn and are the main mode of transport in the city. A trip from the centre of Dumaguete will take about 10–15 minutes. Important: always agree on the fare with the driver before starting the journey. The approximate price is 100–150 Philippine Pesos. This is an inexpensive and quick option, allowing you to immediately immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

For greater comfort, you can use taxi services or mobile applications, such as Grab. The app offers both standard cars (GrabCar) and tricycles (GrabTrike), but with a fixed price known in advance, which is very convenient for tourists. Regular air-conditioned taxis are less common but also available. Additionally, most hotels offer an organised transfer service to the airport — this is the simplest, albeit more expensive, method.

Another symbol of the Philippines is the jeepney, colourful shared route buses. Although this is the cheapest way to move around the city, there are usually no direct routes to the terminal entrance. Jeepneys can drop you off in the airport area, but for the final stretch of the journey, you will likely need to switch to a tricycle. This option is more suitable for budget-conscious travellers without bulky luggage.

Car rental makes sense if you plan to actively explore Negros Island and its surroundings. Several rental companies operate in the city. However, for a single trip to the airport, this is not the most practical choice. Dumaguete Airport has a small parking area where you can leave a car, but for most tourists arriving by taxi or transfer, it is not required.

Dumaguete Airport (DGT), also known as Sibulan Airport, is a small and compact aviation hub, typical of regional airports in the Philippines. Its structure is extremely simple and straightforward, making navigation very easy for travellers.

The airport operates with just one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic arrivals and departures. Thanks to this, you do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings — all necessary zones are under one roof, within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is nominally divided into two main parts:

• Departure Zone: Here you will find airline check-in counters, the security screening checkpoint, and a small waiting lounge for passengers who have passed control.
• Arrival Zone: Includes the baggage claim belt and the exit to the city. Often, passengers on arriving flights walk from the aircraft to the terminal across the tarmac.

Completing all formalities typically does not take much time. Check-in and screening procedures at Dumaguete Airport usually proceed significantly faster than at major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5-2 hours before your flight departure to avoid rushing should queues form.

The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs. Due to the modest size of the terminal, getting lost here is practically impossible. All key points — from the entrance to the waiting lounge — are visible and in immediate proximity to one another, making your time at the airport as comfortable and predictable as possible.

The history of Dumaguete Airport (DGT), also known as Sibulan Airport, is inextricably linked with the events of World War II. Its story began in 1942, when it was built by the Imperial Japanese Army as an airstrip for military aircraft. This historical fact highlights the strategic importance of the region at that time.

After the war ended, the airfield was transferred to civilian administration and gradually evolved into a commercial airport. It became the main air gateway for the province of Negros Oriental and a key element for the development of tourism and the economy in the Philippines. For decades, it has ensured the connection of the region with Manila, Cebu, and other important cities in the country, contributing to the growth of its popularity among travellers.

With the increase in tourist flow and the number of flights, the airport faced natural limitations associated with its location within the city limits. Consequently, plans for its modernisation and expansion have been actively discussed in recent years. One of the most significant projects is the construction of a new, larger international airport in the neighbouring municipality of Bacong, which will be able to accommodate larger aircraft and serve a growing number of passengers.

Despite its modest size, Dumaguete Airport today is a crucial transport hub for tourists heading to the world-renowned dive spots of Apo Island, the mystical island of Siquijor, or those wishing to explore the "City of Gentle People" itself. Thus, a former military airstrip has turned into the starting point for thousands of unforgettable journeys.

Dumaguete Airport (DGT), also known as Sibulan Airport, is a small domestic airport serving the province of Negros Oriental in the Philippines. Despite its compact dimensions, it offers passengers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait. In the terminal, you will find several small cafes and kiosks where you can purchase snacks, soft drinks, and coffee. Souvenir shops offering local crafts and gifts are also available.

A general waiting lounge is available for all passengers. There are generally no specialised VIP lounges or business class lounges at the airport. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi, although the connection speed may be unstable. The waiting lounge has several charging stations for electronic devices, so it is recommended to bring a portable power bank just in case they are occupied.

Financial services at the airport are limited. An ATM may be installed here, but there are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to exchange money in Dumaguete city beforehand. For emergencies, the airport has a first aid station capable of providing basic assistance for minor injuries or ailments.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with special needs. Wheelchairs are provided upon request from airline or airport staff, and the building features ramps and specially equipped toilets. For passengers with small children, baby changing tables may be available in the restrooms, however, separate mother-and-child rooms or play areas are not provided here.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds. However, thanks to its close proximity to the city, you will easily find numerous accommodation options just a 10-15 minute drive away. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are also not available within the terminal. For business meetings, it is better to utilise the facilities of hotels in Dumaguete.

Dumaguete Airport (DGT) is a small regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and oriented towards a quick bite before departure. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants, but satisfying your hunger and having a coffee is certainly possible.

In the main terminal building, primarily in the public zone before security control (landside), there are several small cafes and kiosks. After security screening (airside), the selection is typically even more modest and may be limited to a vending machine with drinks and snacks or a small counter.

Here you can buy standard travel items: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, bottled water, carbonated drinks, and coffee. Sometimes the menu includes simple local dishes, for example, Philippine savoury pastries or steamed buns known as siopao (travellers requiring Halal food should check ingredients carefully as these often contain meat). This is a good option for a light snack, but for a full lunch or dinner, it is recommended to eat in the city before travelling to the airport.

Specialised vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options are practically absent from the menu. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is safer to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are slightly higher than in the city but remain acceptable. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open in the morning and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Dumaguete city goes smoothly, it is worth noting a few features of this small regional hub. Dumaguete Airport (DGT), also known as Sibulan, primarily serves domestic flights within the Philippines. Arrive here approximately 1.5-2 hours before your flight departure. Although the airport is not large, queues for check-in and security screening can form during peak hours. Procedures are standard but take place in a more relaxed atmosphere than in major international hubs.

Rules regarding hand luggage comply with general aviation standards: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Be careful when packing local souvenirs, such as sauces or jams — it is better to place them in checked luggage. Since most flights are domestic, there is no customs control as such. You simply collect your luggage upon arrival. Customs formalities are relevant only for extremely rare international charters.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to avoid queues at the check-in counters. When selecting a seat on the plane for flights from or to Dumaguete, try to get a window seat. Often during take-off and landing, stunning views of Negros and Cebu islands open up. Also, think about your transfer from the airport in advance: booking via an app or arranging with your hotel can be more favourable than using taxi drivers on site.

Dumaguete Airport is not a major transit hub, so long layovers here are rare. Infrastructure for waiting is limited: there are a few small cafes and souvenir shops. In the event of a flight delay, be prepared for limited leisure options. We recommend having a book, a charged power bank, and some cash for purchasing drinks and snacks. Information about schedule changes may be announced over the public address system, so remain in the waiting area and listen for announcements.