Mambajao

Welcome to the air gateway of the "Island Born of Fire". Mambajao Airport is not just a transport hub, but a cosy and picturesque portal to the world of Camiguin adventures, where the runway seems to disappear into the tropical greenery. As you descend, you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of the Hibok-Hibok volcano, setting the mood for your entire journey. Despite its modest size, this airport possesses a special charm and allows you to instantly switch to the relaxed rhythm of island life.

Airport Features and Advantages:

As the sole air gateway to the province of Camiguin, Mambajao Airport has several unique features that make it convenient for tourists:

• Compactness and Speed: Thanks to the small size of the terminal, all procedures — from check-in to baggage claim — are incredibly fast. There are almost never long queues here, unlike at major hubs.
• Scenic Location: The airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the island's capital, Mambajao. The waiting hall and the airfield offer stunning panoramic views of mountain peaks and lush forests, making the wait for your flight a pleasant part of your holiday.
• Convenient Logistics: The airport is situated just a few minutes' drive from the city centre and major tourist resorts, allowing you to start your holiday almost immediately after landing.
• Upgraded Infrastructure: Following recent renovations, the terminal has become more comfortable and brighter, offering passengers improved conditions in an air-conditioned waiting hall.

Mambajao Airport (CGM) is a small regional airport serving Camiguin Island. Most flight-related issues are resolved directly through the airlines. Below is the basic contact information.

• Official Website: The airport does not have a separate official website. It is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
• Inquiry Phone Number: There is no direct public phone number for inquiries. For all questions related to flights, it is recommended to contact your airline directly.
• Airport Address: Airport Rd, Mambajao, 9100 Camiguin, Philippines.
• Email: A dedicated email address for passengers is not provided.
• Social Media: There are no official social media accounts for the airport.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact the Lost & Found service of your airline.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance with booking, check-in, or other flight information, please contact the customer support service of the carrier you are flying with.

Getting to Mambajao Airport (CGM), the air gateway to Camiguin Island, is quite simple due to its close proximity to the city of Mambajao. The island is small, so a trip from any point will not take much time, and while the choice of transport is not as wide as in metropolises, it is quite convenient for tourists.

Public Transport on the island is represented mainly by moto-taxis (tricycles), "habal-habal" (motorcycles with a driver), and multicabs (similar to shared taxis). This is the most authentic and affordable way to travel around the Philippines. A tricycle ride from the city centre to the airport will take 5-15 minutes. Important tip: always agree on the fare with the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings. The cost is usually between 50-150 Philippine pesos depending on the distance and your bargaining skills.

Taxis and Transfers. There are virtually no classic metered taxis on the island. Their role is filled by private cars and minivans. The most convenient and reliable method is to book an airport transfer through your hotel or guesthouse. This may be slightly more expensive than a tricycle ride, but it guarantees comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Popular ride-hailing apps like Grab generally do not work on Camiguin Island.

Car or Motorbike Rental. Many tourists prefer to explore the island on their own by renting a motorbike (scooter) or car. If you have rented transport for your holiday, you can easily drive it to the airport and leave it in the parking lot or arrange a return directly at the airport with the rental company. This is the most flexible method, giving you complete freedom of movement.

Airport Parking. Mambajao Airport is small, and the parking area is a simple open lot. It is more suitable for short stops to drop off or pick up passengers than for long-term vehicle storage. If you plan to leave a rented vehicle for a long time, it is better to clarify the conditions with the rental company in advance.

Mambajao Airport mainly serves flights to Cebu Island, from where you can fly to other regions of the country and abroad via Mactan-Cebu International Airport. To travel to the neighbouring island of Mindanao, tourists often take a ferry to Benoni Port and then travel to larger airports such as Laguindingan International Airport in Cagayan de Oro or Butuan Airport.

The Mambajao Airport (CGM) is a small and very compact aviation hub serving Camiguin Island in the Philippines. Its structure is extremely simple, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The airport has just one passenger terminal, which handles both departing and arriving flights. The building is very small, so all zones are within walking distance of each other. There are no complex layouts, confusing corridors, or need for transfers between terminals. Immediately after entering, you find yourself in the general area where the check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, you proceed to a small security screening area, and then to the departure lounge.

The departure and arrival zones are essentially parts of the same small hall. The waiting area is equipped with minimal amenities, and the boarding gate is just a few steps away. Baggage claim upon arrival is also organised in the same building and is very quick due to the low passenger volume.

Completing all pre-flight formalities — check-in and security — usually takes very little time. On average, this takes no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1-1.5 hours before departure to go through all procedures without rushing. It is practically impossible to get lost in Mambajao Airport, making the journey to Camiguin Island even more comfortable and relaxed.

The history of Mambajao Airport (CGM), officially known as Camiguin Airport, is inextricably linked to the transformation of the island into one of the popular tourist destinations of the Philippines. Originating as a simple airstrip to provide basic connectivity, the airport remained a modest air gateway for a long time. However, as the popularity of the island—known for its unique volcanic nature—grew, an urgent need for modernisation arose.

A key moment in the airport's history was the comprehensive modernisation project implemented under the national "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure programme. The works, which began in 2017-2018, included a significant expansion of the passenger terminal, enlargement of the aircraft parking apron, lengthening and widening of the runway, and the construction of a new administration building. Thanks to this reconstruction, officially completed in 2022, the terminal's capacity increased from 66 to 200 passengers simultaneously, enhancing comfort and safety for travellers.

Mambajao Airport may not boast record passenger numbers, but its main achievement is far more important — it is a vital artery for Camiguin Island, known as the "Island Born of Fire". Stable air connectivity, primarily with the major transport hub of Cebu, has been key to economic growth and tourism development. It is thanks to the operation of this small but upgraded airport that travellers from all over the world can easily reach the volcanoes, waterfalls, and the famous Sunken Cemetery, supporting the island's unique economy.

Mambajao Airport (CGM) is a compact and cosy air hub serving as the main gateway to the picturesque Camiguin Island. Given its small size, the range of services here is focused on the basic needs of travellers arriving in the Philippines for natural beauty. Do not expect the infrastructure of a large international hub here, but everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight is available.

In the terminal, you will find several small kiosks where you can buy light snacks, soft drinks, and souvenirs to remember the island by. This is a great place to pick up local delicacies or handicrafts. There are no full-service restaurants or duty-free shops at the airport. Currency exchange points and bank branches are also absent, so it is recommended to arrange money exchange in advance. ATMs can be found in the nearby city of Mambajao.

A general waiting hall is available for passengers. Specialised VIP halls or business lounges are not provided here. Regarding connectivity, access to public Wi-Fi may be limited, and its speed unstable. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is also small, so it is better to have a portable power bank with you.

The airport is equipped with basic facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, but to receive special assistance, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. Families with children have access to standard restrooms, but there are no separate play areas. There are no hotels within the airport building or its immediate vicinity, but many hotels and resorts are located just a few minutes away by transport. Business centres and conference rooms are absent at the airport.

When planning a departure from Mambajao Airport (CGM), it is important to consider that this is a very small regional airport. Dining options here are limited, so do not expect a large food court or a variety of restaurants as you would find in major international hubs.

Typically, the single terminal features a few small kiosks or snack bars. These are located in the general area before security control (landside). Here you can buy drinks, crisps, sandwiches, and other simple snacks for a quick bite. After passing security (airside), the selection is likely to be even more modest or non-existent.

Despite the modest selection, this is an excellent opportunity to try the famous local treat — sweet buns called pastel de Camiguin. They are often sold at the airport as a souvenir or a travel snack. You can also find other typical snacks from the Philippines here. Prices are generally affordable, although they may be slightly higher than in the city.

For passengers with strict dietary restrictions (such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal diets), finding suitable dishes will be extremely difficult. In this case, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. The operating hours of local cafes depend directly on the flight schedule — they open before departures and close after planes take off.

Recommendation: If you have time, it is better to have a full lunch or dinner at one of the many cafes in the city of Mambajao before travelling to the airport. The establishments at the airport are more suitable for buying a bottle of water or grabbing a light snack while waiting for a flight.

To ensure your journey from the city of Mambajao is as comfortable as possible, use our helpful tips. Mambajao Airport (CGM) is small and serves primarily domestic flights, so there are rarely large queues here. Despite this, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight security without rushing.

The check-in and security control process here usually goes faster than at major hubs. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Have your passport and boarding pass ready during security checks. Be prepared to turn on your laptop or phone if asked, so ensure they are charged.

Camiguin Island, where the airport is located, is incredibly picturesque from above. When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat. To see the famous White Island during landing, try to sit on the left side. And for the best views of Hibok-Hibok volcano during takeoff, choose the right side.

Be sure to pack all valuables in your hand luggage: documents, money, portable chargers, and necessary medication. Remember standard rules: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited. An important feature for travelling in the Philippines: carrying durian and other fruits with a strong odour in the aircraft cabin is strictly forbidden.

Mambajao Airport is not a major transit hub. If you have a connecting flight, for example, in Cebu, you will likely have to collect your luggage and check in again for the next flight. Since this is a domestic terminal, there is no international customs control here — you will pass it at your first airport of arrival in the country.

To save money, weigh your luggage in advance to avoid excess baggage fees. Prices for food and drinks at the airport may be inflated, so it is better to have a snack before arriving or bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after security. Pre-booking a transfer to your hotel often turns out to be better value than taking a taxi upon arrival.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter to find out about the flight status and your rights (provision of drinks, meals, or accommodation). There may not be much entertainment in the Mambajao Airport waiting hall, so bring a book or download films to your tablet in advance to pass the time.