DMIA Clark Airport

Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) or Clark Airport is a new alternative way to fly outside the Philippines. Many passengers choose Clark because of the good deals one can avail from 3 major low cost carriers like Air Asia, Tiger Airways, Cebu Pacific Air and now Spirit of Manila Air although some full service airline fly here like Asiana. It is accesible for people living in Manila or Central Luzon due to its close proximity. It can also be reached from Manila in 1 hour and a half only.

For a budget backpacker from Davao like me, Clark Airport is not in my priority exit point because of extra cost attached to it. From Manila, I have the option to stay in a hotel and then ride a bus Clark for my trip the next day but it is an additional cost for me. However, last November 2009, Air Asia offered its FREE SEATS promo in all its destination. I got my ticket from Clark-Kuala Lumpur for only P75 Tax included and it is simply a great deal. Last June 29, 2010 my travel to South East Asia started via Clark as an exit point. 

For passengers especially from Visayas or Mindanao, if staying in a Manila hotel can be expensive. You can try my backpacking tips to save you cost. Be sure to arrive in Manila not later than 8pm. When you arrive, proceed to SM Mall of Asia and buy yourself a ticket for a last full show of your favorite movie which ends at 12:00MN. After watching a movie, ride a taxi and take you too a 24 hour internet cafe near Pasay area, use internet for about 4 hours and proceed to nearby McDonalds for a morning breakfast. By 5PM, take a ride to PhilTranco Bus Station at SM Megamall. 

Clark Airport is expanding to serve more passengers in the future as they air travel to the Philippines continues to grow. As of the moment, they are building a new terminal with 2 aerobridges to be completed late this year or early next year. Passengers right now have to remain in the very small terminal building. Government boasts it to be a premier gateway but in my opinion it is just suitable as a low cost terminal. 

However, Clark Airport masterplan looks very promising. I hope it will be completed before the new administration will end, free from issues and controversies. Clark has a very great potential because it has a huge space compared to Ninoy Aquino Terminals in Manila which seems to be inexpandable. 

For now, passengers can enjoy the small, hassle free terminal at Clark.