NNIC Revamps NAIA Terminals for Manila Philippines Passengers

A major overhaul of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is set to begin on September 14, spearheaded by the San Miguel Corporation-led consortium, New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC). The 15-year concession agreement aims to upgrade NAIA’s operations and infrastructure, boosting its capacity and significantly enhancing the passenger experience.

NNIC’s first major initiative involves reassigning terminal operations at NAIA to alleviate congestion and optimize runway use. According to the NNIC plan, Terminal 1 will serve as the hub for Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) international flights. Subsequently, Terminal 2 will be exclusively for domestic flights, serving both PAL and Cebu Pacific. Following that, Terminal 3 will handle international flights for foreign carriers, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines. Finally, AirAsia’s domestic flights will move to Terminal 4.

NNIC aims to increase NAIA’s passenger capacity from 35 million to 62 million annually. It also aims to raise aircraft movements per hour from 41 to 48. NNIC will implement the terminal reassignments gradually to avoid operational disruptions, with full execution expected over the next three years.

San Miguel led NNIC has long term plans for NAIA

In the short term, NNIC will focus on improving the passenger experience at NAIA. It will do so by adding seating, installing new air conditioning units, and refurbishing restrooms. Over the long term, the consortium plans to build an off-ramp connecting NAIA Expressway to Terminal 3, expand terminal facilities, and improve parking availability.

There is also potential for passenger fees at NAIA to increase as part of NNIC’s privatization efforts. Passenger service charges for both domestic and international travelers could rise to fund the airport’s modernization. Airlines and passengers will likely seek clarification on how and when these fee adjustments will be implemented.

During a recent forum hosted by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines, NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez emphasized the need to balance NAIA’s expansion with passenger comfort. Cebu Pacific President Xander Lao and AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla expressed optimism about the terminal reshuffle but highlighted the importance of proper planning and consultation.

As NNIC takes control of NAIA, both the government and stakeholders remain hopeful that the planned changes will transform the airport into a world-class facility, boosting tourism and driving economic growth in the Philippines.