FACT-CHECK: No direct flights between Davao, Japan yet

Nov 10, 2025 | Fact Checked by PressOnePH

CLAIM: Japanese airlines are now flying in and out of Davao International Airport.
 
RATING: FALSE

 

A Facebook user named “Parayno Joseph” falsely claimed that Japan was already  accessible via Davao International Airport through a direct flight.  

Flagged content: On Oct. 27, a Facebook post claimed that airlines from Singapore, Japan and Qatar were already operating in Davao International Airport.

  • The Facebook caption read, “Davao City Congrats, dahil airlines ng SINGAPORE, JAPAN AT QATAR ay sa Davao International Airport na.. #highlight” (sic) (Congratulations Davao City for having airlines from Singapore, Japan, and Qatar in Davao International Airport.)

Our debunk: No official statement has yet been released by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (DCTOO) or the Japanese government regarding the supposed direct-to-Japan flights from the airport.

  • Last year, Cebu Pacific opened its newest route, operating from Davao to Bangkok, Thailand.
  • In a press release, Cebu Pacific announced that flights would operate between the Davao International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport, starting Oct. 28, 2024.
  • There were no mentions of the airline operating flights to Japan.
  • On Oct 23, 2025, the DCTOO released a public advisory through its official Facebook page, warning the public about disinformation surrounding routes supposedly flying to and from  Davao.
  • According to DCTOO, Davao International Airport serves only direct flights to Singapore, Qatar, Don Mueang (Bangkok, Thailand), and Hong Kong.

Rewind: Several Facebook pages and profiles had spread disinformation on supposed direct international flights linking Davao City and Japan.

  • On Oct. 27, one Facebook user posted such a claim.
  • Oct. 23, DCTOO issued a warning debunking the Davao-Japan flight claims.
  • DCTOO identified four routes and made no mention of the existence of the Davao-Japan route.

Why we fact-checked this: Although claims surrounding the route had been debunked, the particular post from “Parayno Joseph” still drew considerable traction.

  • The post drew positive reactions, with 2,000 comments and 1,168 shares.
  • The user has more than 1.3 million followers.

Spot the fake: Follow only credible news sources.

  • Verify information and rely only on official announcements from legitimate sources like official press releases and statements and government advisories.  Francis Mediavillo


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