Camiguin Airport

Overview

Camiguin Airport (also known as Mambajao Airport) is a small domestic airport serving the island province of Camiguin in the Philippines. Located in the capital town of Mambajao, the airport primarily handles regional flights operated by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, connecting the island with nearby hubs like Cebu and occasionally Manila. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a vital role in bringing tourists and residents to an island known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, warm springs, and white-sand beaches. The airport's single runway and compact terminal reflect the laid-back character of Camiguin, which has long been a hidden gem among Philippine destinations.

Location & Access

Camiguin Airport sits on the northern coast of the island, just a few kilometers from Mambajao's town center. The airport's address is Barangay Baylao, Mambajao, Camiguin. From the terminal, travelers can reach the town proper in about 10 minutes by tricycle or jeepney, both of which are readily available. Tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) are the most common mode of transport and cost around PHP 100–150 per ride to most hotels in Mambajao. For those heading to other parts of the island, such as the resorts in Catarman or the hot springs near Barangay Mainit, hired vans or multicabs can be arranged at the airport or through accommodations. The island is small—only about 230 square kilometers—so travel times are short: it takes roughly 30 minutes by vehicle from the airport to the farthest point on Camiguin.

Access to the island itself is primarily by air or sea. Ferries run regularly from Balingoan Port in Mindanao to Benoni Port in Camiguin, with a crossing of about one hour. However, for most visitors, flying into Camiguin Airport is the fastest way to reach the island, especially given the limited flight schedules. The nearest major airport with international connections is Laguindingan Airport (in Cagayan de Oro), about a 3-hour drive plus ferry ride away, making Camiguin Airport a convenient direct gateway.

Facilities

The airport terminal is compact but covers essential passenger needs. Confirmed amenities include:

• Wheelchair-accessible car park – Designated parking spaces close to the terminal entrance for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance – A ramp or level access at the building's main door.
• Wheelchair-accessible toilet – A restroom equipped with grab bars and sufficient space for wheelchair users.
• Toilet – Standard public restrooms are available, separate from the accessible one.
• Has changing table(s) – A baby changing station is provided in at least one restroom, useful for families traveling with infants.

Beyond these, the airport offers basic services: a small waiting area with seating, a check-in counter area, and a baggage claim belt. There is no air-conditioned lounge or extensive shopping, but passengers can find a few snack vendors selling local delicacies like pastel (a soft bread roll) and bottled water. The airport lacks a dedicated VIP lounge or restaurant, so travelers are advised to bring snacks or eat before arriving. Given the small scale, the terminal is typically not crowded except during peak hours (around 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM, when flights arrive or depart).

About the Region

Camiguin is a volcanic island province in the Bohol Sea, off the northern coast of Mindanao. It is famous for having seven volcanoes, the most active being Mount Hibok-Hibok, which last erupted in 1951. The island’s nickname, “The Island of Fire and Water,” comes from its volcanic origins and the abundance of natural springs, both hot and cold. Key tourist attractions include:

• White Island – A sandbar off the coast with powdery white sand and views of Hibok-Hibok.
• Sunken Cemetery – A cross marking a cemetery submerged by volcanic activity in the 1870s, now a snorkeling site.
• Katibawasan Falls – A 250-foot waterfall surrounded by lush jungle.
• Ardent Hot Springs – Naturally heated pools fed by geothermal activity, perfect for relaxation.
• Lanzones Festival – An annual harvest festival (October) celebrating the sweet, small fruit that Camiguin is known for.

Travelers come to Camiguin for its serene beaches, diving spots (including coral gardens and shipwrecks), and trekking opportunities on the slopes of Hibok-Hibok. The island is less commercialized than Boracay or Cebu, offering a more laid-back experience. Agriculture also thrives here, with rice, coconuts, and lanzones plantations dotting the landscape. The local economy relies heavily on tourism and farming, and the airport is a critical lifeline for both sectors.

Practical Information

• Operating Hours: The airport is not open 24/7. Its operating schedule corresponds to flight times. Typically, the terminal opens two hours before the first flight and closes after the last departure. Given the peak hours of 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM, the airport is active mainly during midday and late evening. Travelers should plan to arrive at least an hour before their flight and not expect the terminal to be open outside those windows.
• Contact: As of writing, no dedicated phone number or website is publicly available for Camiguin Airport. For inquiries, passengers can contact their airline or the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) regionally. Information is usually available through local tourism offices or the airport’s social media presence (if any).
• Parking: There is a small parking area outside the terminal, with designated accessible spots as noted. Parking is free.
• Safety: The airport is secure, with guards on site and baggage screening. It is a small facility, so security lines are short.
• Pro Tip: Since flights are limited, book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like summer (March–May) and holidays. The island can also experience flight cancellations due to weather, particularly during typhoon season (June–November), so travel insurance is recommended.

Finally, while the airport itself is basic, the beauty of Camiguin more than compensates. The short walk from the terminal to the parking area already offers views of the lush hills, and the warm hospitality of the locals begins the moment you land.