Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, airport in Leyte, Philippines
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport is a commercial airport serving Tacloban on Leyte island in the Philippines. The terminal is functional with bright lighting, straightforward check-in counters, a single departure gate, and a baggage claim area with one carousel where luggage arrives after flights.
The airport was originally built by the US Air Force and Navy during World War II as San Jose Airstrip and later became Tacloban Airport. After the war it was converted to civilian operations, and in 1974 it was renamed to honor Daniel Z. Romualdez, a prominent regional leader.
The airport bears the name of Daniel Z. Romualdez, a prominent local politician and former speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives. His family remains influential in the region's cultural and political life, making the airport a symbol of local identity and connection.
Local jeepneys and taxis run directly from the city center to the terminal and take various routes to reach the airport. Arriving early is advisable to find good seating and move through security checks without rushing.
The airport suffered severe damage in 2013 when Typhoon Haiyan struck with winds near 200 kilometers per hour, destroying the terminal and control tower. Despite this devastation, it reopened just days later and became crucial for delivering emergency relief supplies to the region.
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