⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

General Santos International Airport

General Santos, South Cotabato Province (Philippines)
IATA: GES ICAO: RPMR
Longest Active Runway
10,587 ft
3,227 meters
Field Elevation
505 ft
154 m MSL
Runway Inventory
1 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
6.0572°, 125.0962°
LARGE AIRPORT
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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#438 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#703 of 7558
Top 9.3% percentile worldwide
National Standing (Philippines)
#3 in PH
#3 of 60 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+5.9%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: General Santos International Airport's longest active runway measures 10,587 ft (3,227 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #438. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #703 worldwide (Top 9.3%) and #3 nationally in Philippines.
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Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: General Santos International Airport (GES)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

General Santos International Airport is Mindanao's premier heavy air-freight portal. Its 10,600 ft runway easily accommodates Boeing 747 and 777 widebody transports. Located 505 ft above sea level in the Sarangani Bay basin, GES enjoys relatively stable weather protected from the severe typhoon belts that ravage the northern Philippines, making it an indispensable national aviation asset.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments
Single paved Runway 17/35 (10,600 ft / 3,231 m).
Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities
Opened in 1996 with grant funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to catalyze agro-industrial export growth across southern Mindanao.
Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role
Longest active runway in Mindanao, outstripping regional neighbor Davao Francisco Bangoy (DVO, 66 NM northeast).
Data Nuances & Operational Quirks
Engineered with heavy pavement classification numbers to support widebody cargo charters carrying fresh yellowfin tuna and agricultural produce directly to East Asian and US markets.
📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: Philippines National Civil Aviation Authority · State Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) & ICAO Annex 14 Standards
Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy
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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Lowland / Coastal Basin Aerodrome

General Santos International Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 505 ft (154 m MSL) in General Santos. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Longest active runway in Mindanao, outstripping regional neighbor Davao Francisco Bangoy (DVO, 66 NM northeast). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 10,587 ft (3,227 m)

General Santos International Airport's active flight strips comprise 17/35 (10,587 ft). With a longest active threshold of 10,587 ft (3,227 m), the aerodrome satisfies unrestricted long-haul takeoff and landing distance requirements for heavy twin-aisle and four-engine widebodies (ICAO Code 4E/4F).

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
17/35 10,587 ft (3227m) 148 ft (45m) Concrete (CON) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/ges.json ↗