General Santos International Airport (GES) is the main airport serving General Santos City and the greater Soccsksargen region in Mindanao.
The airport is situated in Barangay Fatima, General Santos City, approximately 14 kilometers southwest of the city’s central business district.
Construction began in 1993, largely funded by a US$47.6 million grant from USAID, with the Philippine government contributing 25% of the project cost.
It occupies nearly 5.99 million square meters and sits at an elevation of 154 meters (505 feet) above sea level.
While historically called Dadiangas International Airport, both the airport and the associated seaport subports have been officially renamed to General Santos International Airport and Subport of General Santos respectively, to reflect present-day jurisdiction accurately.
The airport opened on July 6, 1996, replacing the older Buayan Airport (now Rajah Buayan Air Station used by the Philippine Air Force). Its inauguration coincided with the 42nd Palarong Pambansa to accommodate athletes and visitors to General Santos and nearby provinces.
Over time, Philippine Airlines and other carriers began operating direct flights to Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo, eventually adding larger aircraft like the Airbus A300, Boeing 737, and even handling Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 for cargo and chartered flights.
The airport underwent a major renovation from 2017 to 2021, expanding the terminal from 4,029 sq. meters to 12,240 sq. meters, increasing passenger capacity from 800,000 to 2 million annually, and adding jet bridges.
- Runway: 3,227 meters (10,587 ft) long and 45 meters wide (runway 17/35), made of concrete; it ranks third-longest in the Philippines and can handle large aircraft like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.
- Passenger terminal: Modern design inspired by yellowfin tuna fins. Facilities include: ATMs, car rentals, cafes, Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge, free luggage carts, and taxi/vehicle services.
- There is no WiFi, duty-free shop, prayer room, or mobile charging stations.
- Apron capacity: Can handle seven aircraft simultaneously.