General Santos International Airport has officially resumed commercial flight operations on Monday, June 15, after authorities completed extensive safety inspections and repair works following the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani and surrounding areas on June 8, 2026.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed that the airport, which had been restricted solely to quake response and relief flights since the earthquake, was cleared for regular commercial operations after thorough structural assessments and necessary repairs were completed.
The resumption of flights is a critical milestone for General Santos City, which serves as the major transportation and logistics hub of the SOCCSKSARGEN region. The airport shutdown had disrupted travel and supply chains across South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and surrounding provinces.
Prior to the resumption, the CAAP had limited airport operations exclusively to earthquake response flights, including the transport of relief goods, medical supplies, and emergency personnel to affected communities. At least 17 commercial flights were cancelled in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) had earlier expressed confidence that GenSan Airport operations could resume within a week, pending the completion of safety checks. The airport runway, terminal buildings, and navigation systems all underwent rigorous inspection to ensure they met operational safety standards.
For residents of General Santos and the broader Mindanao community, the reopening of the airport marks a significant step toward normalcy as the region continues its recovery from one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit the southern Philippines in recent years.
Travelers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight schedules, as some carriers may take time to restore full service frequency to and from General Santos City.