Under the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), the major renovation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has begun. The goal of this P170.6 billion project, expected to take 15 years to complete, is to upgrade the 76-year-old airport. In the coming year, passengers can anticipate improved services, though a few changes might raise the cost of travel.
Under the direction of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), the NNIC intends to make necessary repairs to facilities such as restrooms, seating, and cooling systems within six months. They also aim to meet passengers’ expectations for reliable internet access by improving connectivity, which currently averages a slow 17.9 Mbps.
In addition to fixing walkways, escalators, and elevators to improve mobility, the NNIC plans to upgrade airport transit options. Larger projects, including building a new terminal and increasing the annual passenger capacity from 35 million to 62 million, are expected to be completed by year five.
There will also be modifications to flight operations. An increase in aircraft movements from 40 to 48 per hour is anticipated. To improve runway efficiency, this may include reassigning terminals; however, airlines hope to be consulted before any changes are made.
Starting in September 2025, travelers will face higher fees. International passengers will pay P950, up from P550, while domestic travelers will see their fees nearly double to P390. Airlines are also expected to face higher takeoff rates, which could result in increased ticket prices.
While some are concerned about delays in the rehabilitation, SMC chairman Ramon Ang attributes past delays to external factors. Despite this, the revitalization of NAIA is moving forward, with the expectation that these changes will result in an improved airport experience in the future.
