Following the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Sarangani province, the General Santos International Airport (Tambler Airport) will remain completely closed to regular commercial flight operations until Thursday, June 11, 2026 (expected until 6:00 PM local time).
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to this effect. Currently, the airport is open exclusively for government, military, and humanitarian relief flights to support ongoing disaster response efforts in the region.
Mandatory inspections revealed damages to the passenger terminal ceilings, cracks in the walls, and shattered glass panes at the control tower. Structural assessments and emergency repairs are currently underway.
Critical Information for Travelers
- Flight Cancellations: All commercial flights to and from General Santos (including Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines) have been canceled for the time being. Passengers are strongly advised not to proceed to the airport and to contact their respective airlines directly for rebooking or refund options.
- Alternative Route via Davao (Land Travel Risks): While Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City remains fully operational and can be used as an alternative gateway, the road connection between Davao and General Santos is currently heavily compromised. The initial quake and subsequent aftershocks have triggered significant rockfalls, landslides, and debris along the highways.
- Road Safety Warning: Commuters are advised to avoid non-essential travel between the cities. If land travel is absolutely necessary, exercise extreme caution, watch out for falling rocks, and anticipate road closures as well as major travel delays.
Status: Authorities hope to gradually resume commercial operations in GenSan over the coming days, as soon as structural integrity and passenger safety can be fully guaranteed. We will keep you updated as new information comes in.
