Tacloban is a straightforward, friendly jumping off point for exploring the rest of the Philippines and beyond. The airport is compact and easy to navigate, and the city to terminal transfer is short and predictable, which makes early morning and last minute departures less stressful.
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport TAC sits about 8 kilometers south of downtown Tacloban along the Maharlika Highway, so rides typically take 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. The airport focuses on high frequency domestic links to Manila MNL and Cebu CEB, plus select routes like Iloilo ILO, Davao DVO, and Clark CRK for onward connections. If you are heading overseas, TAC to MNL or TAC to CEB hops make it simple to continue across the Philippines or connect internationally on the same day. Facilities have been upgraded in recent years with improved check in areas and waiting zones, and the overall scale keeps queues manageable for most departures.
Nonstop flights from Tacloban cover the essentials for business, family visits, and quick getaways. Expect short flight times, frequent service on core routes, and convenient timings designed to connect with onward flights in Manila and Cebu.
Manila MNL sees the most traffic from TAC, with approximately 13 to 14 daily flights and a block time near 1 hour 25 minutes, subject to change. Cebu CEB is a fast shuttle at about 1 hour, with several daily departures, subject to change. These two routes are the go to choices when you need international connections the same day.
Iloilo ILO has become a handy leisure and family route, with examples indicating a flight time just under 1 hour, subject to change. Davao DVO offers a direct link to Mindanao at around 1 hour 20 minutes, subject to change. Clark CRK in Angeles City typically runs in about 1 hour 20 minutes and can be useful when your final destination is in Central Luzon rather than Metro Manila, subject to change. Travelers pick these routes for practical reasons. Manila and Cebu provide dense long haul networks, while Iloilo, Davao, and Clark are popular for festivals, beach access, and family travel without backtracking through Metro Manila. For international trips such as connections to Xiamen XMN in China, itineraries usually involve a layover in Manila, with total travel times varying by schedule and date, subject to change.
Fares on domestic routes fluctuate with school holidays, long weekends, and local events. You will usually do better by avoiding peak weeks and locking in plans once you see a good fare.
Shoulder periods outside major holidays and festival weeks generally see more stable pricing. Tacloban’s Pintados Kasadyaan festivities in June can increase demand, and year end holidays are consistently busy. For routine domestic trips, a 4 to 6 week booking window often balances choice and price, while peak season trips can benefit from booking earlier, all subject to change.
Let technology watch prices for you. Use Set a Price Alert on your Tacloban routes, and you will be notified when fares move so you can grab a deal without constant checking. If you are planning multi city island hops, the Nomad Search Tool finds efficient sequences across three or more stops with your preferred stay lengths. Flex your dates by one or two days, try midweek departures, and compare early morning versus late evening flights to unlock additional options, subject to availability.
Here is how the airport operates day to day and how to get the most out of it when comparing cheap flights from Tacloban.
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport TAC has a single runway of roughly 2,100 meters and a straightforward terminal with basic amenities like a small food court and free Wi Fi in the departure area. Taxis and jeepneys connect the terminal to the city in roughly 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Plan to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before domestic departures to allow time for check in and security, especially at first wave and evening peaks, subject to change.
A mix of full service and low cost Philippine carriers operate TAC’s domestic network. Manila MNL and Cebu CEB run most frequently, with added point to point links such as Iloilo ILO, Davao DVO, and Clark CRK appearing on select days or seasons, subject to change. Budget airlines keep base fares lean with optional extras, while full service carriers include more in the ticket price, so compare totals after bags and seats to find the right fit.
Kiwi.com can build self transfer itineraries by combining separate airlines on one ticket, opening routes and timings you might not see in a single carrier search. Add the Kiwi.com Guarantee for an extra layer of reassurance on these self transfers. If carrier changes affect your trip, the Guarantee includes Disruption Protection that can offer instant compensation in Kiwi.com Credit for rebooking or help with airline refunds, all handled online. The Guarantee also includes automatic check in once you provide your ID details on time, with boarding passes delivered digitally for a smoother airport experience. If you enjoy experimenting with self transfer, hidden cities, or throwaway tickets, explore Kiwi.com’s Travel Hacks Travel Hacks for ideas and the important caveats to know.