Philippines NAIA Airport Project Receives 4 Bids
In a significant move to enhance travel experiences, the Philippines saw four bidders competing in an auction for the 170.6 billion pesos (S$4 billion) upgrade of its primary international hub, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia). Known for chronic delays and congestion, Naia is the fifth largest airport in South-east Asia.
Recognizing the urgency, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista highlighted the project’s importance. He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for passengers. Bidders in contention included Manila International Airport Consortium, Asian Airport Consortium, GMR Airports Consortium, and SMC SAP & Co Consortium.
The transportation ministry will award the concession in the first quarter next year. The concession is for 15-years and is extendable by another 10 years. This move aims to address the challenges posed by Naia, which, despite its designed capacity of 32 million passengers, handled a record 48 million passengers in 2019.
Acknowledging the severe congestion at Naia, Secretary Bautista highlighted the significance of the project. Furthermore, he stated, “You all know this airport is very very congested.” The upgrade seeks to transform Naia into a more efficient and passenger-friendly facility. Moreover, it will address long-standing issues of overcrowding and flight delays.
The aging airport has been a focal point for improvements due to its strategic importance. It has been ranked among the world’s worst international gateways. The successful bidder will play a pivotal role in revitalizing Naia. The goal will be to accommodate at least 60 million passengers annually. This is a substantial increase from the current 35 million.
With this auction, the Philippines takes a crucial step toward modernizing its aviation infrastructure. The aim is not only to meet current demands but also to support the future growth of air travel in the region. The stakeholders eagerly anticipate the decision, which marks a pivotal moment in ongoing efforts to elevate the standards of the country’s aviation services.
