𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

 

𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

The City Government of Davao is pushing for the revival of direct flights between Davao and Manado, Indonesia, following a series of business and tourism engagements in North Sulawesi aimed at strengthening cross-border ties.

During the visit to Manado, Davao representatives met with local government officials, tourism authorities, and business leaders, including the chamber of commerce, to explore opportunities that could support the reopening of the Davao–Manado air route.

Leading the tourism presentation was Willenito Tormis Jr., officer-in-charge of the city’s tourism operations office, who showcased Davao City’s key attractions, investment potential, and role as a gateway in Mindanao.

Officials highlighted that restoring direct flights is a priority outcome of the engagement, seen as a critical link to boost tourism arrivals, trade exchanges, and people-to-people connectivity between the two cities.

The proposed route is expected to reconnect Davao with North Sulawesi, opening travel opportunities for leisure, business, and education. It also aims to position Davao as an accessible entry point for Indonesian travelers while encouraging more Dabawenyos to explore destinations in eastern Indonesia.

Local tourism stakeholders said discussions in Manado also included possible joint promotions and travel packages that could increase passenger demand once flights resume.

The initiative forms part of broader regional cooperation under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, which promotes connectivity and economic integration across neighboring ASEAN areas.

While no timeline has been finalized, city officials said the engagements in Manado are a step forward in securing partnerships needed to bring back the direct air link.

If realized, the Davao–Manado flight is expected to strengthen Davao City’s position as a regional hub for tourism and business, while enhancing its connectivity with Indonesia.