China's Xiamen Airlines starts Davao flights

DAVAO CITY - Xiamen Airlines flew 80 passengers to the Francisco Bangoy Airport here on Wednesday, adding to international direct flights to this southern gateway.

A water canon salute greeted the jet upon landing while a Muslim dance performance welcomed the passengers at the arrival area.real time flight tracking

The Xiamen Air flight is expected to boost tourism in President Rodrigo Duterte's hometown. China is the city's fourth largest market for tourists.

"This is something that signifies the interest, bridge the gap of cultural differences, but more importantly to attest the potential of Davao City," said tourism officer Eden David.

The carrier will again fly the Xiamen-Davao flight on October 5.

Francisco Bangoy Airport also gets direct flights from Singapore.MANILA – A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck off Davao Oriental early morning on Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The quake's epicenter was located 41 kilometers southeast of Mati, Davao Oriental. The quake struck at 6:53 a.m.It was felt as an Intensity V earthquake in Mati and Davao City, while it was felt as an Intensity IV earthquake in General Santos City; Alabel, Glan and Mapalatan towns in Sarangani; and Polomok, South Cotabato.

The town of Tupi in South Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro City felt it as an Intensity III earthquake.

According to a bulletin issued by Phivolcs, the quake is not expected to cause serious damage to properties. However, aftershocks are expected.