Getting around Zamboanga Airport can be confusing, especially for a first-timer. However, you don’t have to worry because this place is relatively easy to understand. You can familiarize yourself with the airport in no time, as long there’s a guide.
This comprehensive guide is perfect for first-timers, providing all the basic information about the airport, including its history, terminals, and facilities. It also includes helpful details about nearby hotels, transportation options, and tourist destinations.
Here’s the guide to Zamboanga Airport!
About Zamboanga Airport
Upon arrival, the unique architecture of Zamboanga International Airport is sure to catch your eye. But it’s not just the building that’s intriguing. The airport’s history, with its dual public and military runways, is a fascinating story waiting to be explored.
Looking at its history, the airport was originally an airfield for American soldiers. Construction began in May 1945, during World War II, when American troops landed in Zamboanga. The Philippine Commonwealth troops built it using mainly Filipino laborers, and it became operational the same year.
During its early days, American soldiers used the airfield the most. Its main purpose was to support infantry operations for both American and Philippine troops. As time passed, the number of flights increased, and civilians began using the airport as well.
The airport’s management started expanding it and increasing its capacity so it could serve domestic and international flights. However, Zamboanga experienced a crisis in 2013, forcing the airport to close to civilians for about ten days.
As for today, you can land at the airport anytime. In fact, Zamboanga is the third busiest airport in the Mindanao Islands. However, it only serves domestic routes nowadays. The most popular routes are Manila, Davao, Cebu, and Iloilo. There are no international routes left.
The airport serves Zamboanga City and its neighboring areas. It is situated at 31 Gov Camins Avenue, Barangay Canelar, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. Zamboanga Airport code is ZAM, which is only 2 km from downtown.
Various airlines operate at the airport, such as Cebu Air Pacific and Philippine Airlines. There used to be more operating airlines, but the airport is no longer operational after no international flights were conducted.
Zamboanga Airport Terminal
Aside from its history, make sure you learn more about Zamboanga Airport Terminal. The airport is relatively easy to navigate because it only has one terminal. The area is about 3,456 m2, serving both arrival and departure. It can accommodate around 750 passengers before the flights depart and after they arrive.
Up to 5 million passengers use the airport annually, especially while still serving flights to neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Excitingly, the airport’s management is planning to reopen international routes, which were previously operational to neighboring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Despite some delays, the expansion of the terminal in 2021 is a promising step towards this goal.
Even though the expansion is still ongoing, you can still access the terminal and its facilities. Learn more about them in the next section!
Zamboanga Airport Facilities
The facilities at Zamboanga Airport might not be as complete as the bigger airports in the Philippines, but they can still meet your needs. You can find all the essential ones, such as:
- Lounges: a comfortable place to wait for your flight.
- Information desks: available for assistance or instructions in case of any issues.
- Airlines check-in counters: each airline, such as Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, has its own counter, making navigation easy.
- Wi-Fi: to stay connected to the internet.
- ATMs: to withdraw cash.
There’s still no currency exchange in the airport, so do it while you are in transit in a bigger one. For other necessities, you can go downtown, a 10—15-minute drive. You can also walk there for 30 – 35 minutes. There are many hotels in those areas. Find out more about it below here!
Zamboanga Airport Hotels
Locating hotels near Zamboanga Airport is relatively easy because it’s far from the city center. Some hotels are even situated right beside the airport, so you can just walk to the accommodation.
Here are some recommendations for you:
- Garden Orchid Hotel is a 3-star hotel around 300 meters (4-minute walk) from the airport. Rates start at PHP 4,554 (USD 79.06)
- L’Meridien Suites, a 3-star hotel around 700 meters (10-minute walk) from the airport. Rates start at PHP 2,400 (USD 41.67)
- W Hotel is located around 4.1 km (15–20-minute drive) from the airport. Rates start at PHP 2,634 (USD 45.73)
There are many transportation options that can take you from the airport to the hotel. The information below is available!
Zamboanga Airport Transportations
After landing at the airport, there are multiple transportation from Zamboanga Airport to downtown that you can choose from, such as:
- Taxi, is most convenient. The fare is not that expensive because it’s near downtown, around PHP 200 (USD 3.47)
- Rideshare services, are cheaper than conventional taxis, but you must install a mobile app first.
- Car Rental, perfect for vacation. The rate starts from PHP 1,400 (PHP 24.30) per day.
Pick one or use multiple options to get around the town. You can do many enjoyable activities in Zamboanga City. Find out the recommended attractions in the next section!
Zamboanga Attractions
Many stunning tourist attractions in Zamboanga are waiting to be visited. Here are some recommendations for you!
- Enjoy the stunning coastal view at Pink Beach Santa Cruz Grande Island.
- Learn more about the history of Zamboanga City at Fort Pilar Shrine & Museum.
- Admire the beauty of the two-faced islands at Bisaya-Bisaya Island.
- Hike and appreciate the astonishing turquoise ocean at Baung-Baung Island.
- Experience a fun camping adventure at Pasonanca Park & Scout Limbaga Campsite.
That’s all you need to know about Zamboanga Airport before visiting. The next step is to reserve a flight and hotel to make your stay more enjoyable. Discover the best deal at Airpaz and book your trip now!
