Puerto Princesa International Airport

Puerto Princesa International Airport is more than just a transport hub; it serves as the true "green gateway" to the wonders of Palawan Island. Located practically in the heart of the city, it immerses travellers in a tropical paradise atmosphere from the very first minute, serving as the starting point for trips to the famous Underground River. The modern terminal, opened in 2017, combines functionality with respect for nature, reflecting Palawan's status as the premier eco-destination of the Philippines.

Airport Features and Highlights

The main highlight of this air hub is its location. The airport is situated so close to civilization that you can reach the city centre or most hotels in literally 10–15 minutes. This is a rare instance where you do not need to spend hours on transfers after your flight.

The new passenger terminal was designed considering the growing tourist flow and is capable of serving up to 2 million people per year. Inside, travellers will find spacious waiting halls, shops selling souvenirs and pearls, as well as cafes serving local cuisine. Convenient navigation and a lack of hustle make clearing formalities quick and comfortable, setting the mood for a relaxing holiday on the Philippines' "last ecological frontier".

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have its own dedicated official website. Main information regarding its operations is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The freshest news and updates are often published on the airport's official Facebook page.
• Information Desk Phone: For inquiries, you can call +63 48 433 4965 or +63 48 434 5911. When calling from another country, do not forget to dial the international code.
• Airport Address: Rizal Avenue, Barangay San Miguel, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan, Philippines.
• Email: An official email address for general passenger inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The most active communication channel is the official Facebook page (Puerto Princesa International Airport), where you can track flight status and news.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly. The airport service does not handle such requests.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all general questions related to terminal operations, please contact the information desk at the numbers listed above.

Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) is located very close to the city centre, so getting there is effortless. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several convenient methods. The trip from the city centre usually takes just 10-20 minutes.

Public Transport. The most authentic and budget-friendly way to get to the airport is a tricycle (a motorcycle taxi with a sidecar) or a multicab (a local equivalent of a jeepney). Tricycles can be hailed from almost any point in the city. It is important to agree on the price in advance with the driver, as there are no fixed meters. A trip will cost approximately 50-150 Philippine pesos, depending on your bargaining skills and the distance. Multicabs follow specific routes and cost even less, but they can be crowded and inconvenient if you have a lot of luggage.

Taxis and Transfers. A more comfortable option is a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Many hotels offer shuttle services to the airport, sometimes free of charge. You can also book a private car or van through travel agencies or online services. This is especially convenient for groups or families with children. The cost of a private transfer is usually between 300 and 600 pesos. This option guarantees a trip at a fixed price and with air conditioning, which is a major plus in the hot climate of the Philippines.

Car Rental and Parking. If you have been travelling around Palawan Island in a rental car, most rental companies allow you to return the vehicle directly at the airport. Verify this possibility when booking. There is a parking lot near the terminal where you can leave a car for a short or long term; however, for most tourists staying in the city, this option is less relevant than a taxi or transfer.

Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) is a modern and compact aviation hub, making navigation simple and convenient for travellers. The airport consists of one passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This eliminates the need for transfers or long walks between different buildings.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The building has two main levels:

• Ground Floor is designated for arriving passengers and flight check-in. Here you will find airline check-in counters, the baggage claim area, and customs control for international arrivals.
• Second Floor is the departure zone. After check-in, passengers proceed upstairs, where they pass through security screening and passport control (for international flights), after which they enter a spacious departure lounge with boarding gates.

Arrival and departure zones are clearly separated by floors, minimizing confusion. Upon arrival, you immediately enter the passport control area (if flying from another country), then the baggage claim hall, and exit into the city on the ground floor. For departures, the entire process begins on the ground floor at the check-in counters and continues on the second floor, right up to boarding the aircraft.

Thanks to the airport's compact size, clearing all pre-flight formalities usually does not take much time. Check-in and security checks are quite fast compared to major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport according to standard practice: 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one to avoid rushing, especially during the peak tourist season.

For navigation, simply follow the signs in English and Filipino. The polite staff is always ready to help and direct you. The main point to remember is the two-level structure: the ground floor for check-in and arrival, and the second floor for waiting and departure. This is key to quick and easy orientation at Puerto Princesa Airport.

The history of Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) is inextricably linked to the events of World War II and the subsequent transformation of Palawan Island into a popular tourist destination. Its origins date back to 1942, when the runway was built by Japanese forces during the occupation. After the liberation of the island, the airfield was occupied and improved by American troops. Following the war, the facility was transferred for civil use, and for many years it served as Palawan's key transport hub.

For many decades, the airport remained a modest regional node, serving primarily domestic flights. However, as the global fame of Puerto Princesa and its main jewel—the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site—grew, it became clear that the old infrastructure could not cope with the influx of travellers. This triggered the most massive reconstruction in its history.

A key milestone in its development was the project to construct a new terminal and modernize the runway, which began in 2014. In May 2017, the grand opening of the new modern passenger terminal took place. This modernization was a true breakthrough: the airport's capacity increased several times over, allowing it to handle up to 2 million passengers annually and service larger aircraft, including those on international routes.

Today, Puerto Princesa Airport is not just a transport facility, but a symbol of the transformation of the Philippines, and Palawan Island in particular, into one of Asia's leading tourist destinations. A curious fact: the architects of the new terminal drew inspiration from the island's natural landscapes. Thanks to this, tourists feel a sense of harmony with nature from their very first minutes. Thus, a modest military airfield has journeyed to become a modern and comfortable hub, opening access to Palawan's exotic wonders for travellers.

Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) offers passengers all key services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Although the terminal is not large, it is designed to be functional and convenient, which is especially valuable for travellers arriving on the picturesque island of Palawan—one of the main gems of the Philippines.

You can grab a bite before departure at several cafes and snack bars offering local dishes and familiar international snacks. In the departure area, there are souvenir stalls and small shops where you can purchase handicrafts, famous local pearls, and other memorable gifts. This is an excellent opportunity to buy a keepsake at the last minute.

Free Wi-Fi is available for passengers throughout the terminal. Special counters and power outlets are equipped in the waiting halls for charging electronic devices. Passengers wishing to spend time in a quieter environment can use the business lounge services. Typically, it offers snacks, beverages, and comfortable seating for an additional fee or as part of airline loyalty programmes.

The airport operates currency exchange points and ATMs, which are easily found in the arrival hall and public area. In case of need, there is a medical station in the terminal to provide first aid. For the convenience of passengers with children, there are mother-and-child rooms equipped with changing tables.

The airport building is adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Staff are ready to provide necessary assistance upon prior request. It is important to note that there are no hotels directly within the airport grounds, but many hotels and guest houses are located just a few minutes' drive away. Dedicated conference halls and business centres are also not provided within the terminal.

Despite its relatively small size, Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) offers passengers several options to grab a bite before departure or while waiting for a flight. The selection of establishments is concentrated in the main terminal and caters to both quick snacks and more substantial meals.

The majority of cafes and snack bars are located in the public area (landside), accessible before passing through security control. Here you can find small establishments offering local Filipino cuisine, as well as more familiar international options such as sandwiches, pasta, and coffee. This is the optimal place for a full lunch or dinner if you have enough time before your flight or are meeting arrivals.

In the secure area (airside), after passing passport control and security screening, the selection is generally more modest. Coffee shops and small kiosks operate here, where you can buy fresh pastries, sandwiches, crisps, and soft drinks. This is a convenient option to take something on board or quickly refresh yourself right before boarding.

If you wish to try something authentic, look out for local pastries or packaged desserts. regarding specific dietary requirements, finding specialized vegan, gluten-free, or certified Halal dishes might be challenging. It is recommended to check the ingredients with staff in advance—some cafes may have vegetarian options, such as vegetable dishes or salads.

Prices in airport establishments are expectedly higher than in the city. Most food outlets open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last evening flight, aligning with the flight schedule. Thus, passengers almost always have the opportunity to drink coffee or have a snack regardless of their departure time.

Planning is the key to a stress-free start or end to your journey through Palawan. To avoid rushing, we recommend arriving at Puerto Princesa International Airport at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. Although the airport is not very large, queues for check-in and security can be long during peak hours and the tourist season.

To save time, take advantage of online check-in, which most airlines offer. This will allow you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop counter or, if travelling light, head straight to security control. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy. The screening procedure is standard, but be prepared that you may be asked to switch on electronic devices.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that flights departing from Palawan Island often treat passengers to stunning views. Choose a window seat to take final shots of the archipelago from above. If comfort and legroom are more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Regarding hand luggage, remember the standard restriction on liquids (no more than 100 ml in one container) and the absence of sharp objects. Since you are leaving a nature reserve, be especially careful at customs control: taking certain types of corals, shells, and other natural souvenirs out of the Philippines is prohibited.

If you have a connection in another city, for example in Manila, allow sufficient time for it, especially if a change of terminal is required. Puerto Princesa is not a major transit hub, so most connections will not be through-checked. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and possible instructions. The airport is small, but there are cafes and souvenir shops where you can pass the time while waiting for departure.