Naia braces for 30% rise in passenger volume

Eric Ines—MIAA

MANILA, Philippines – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) is expected to register passenger volume growth of about 20 percent to 30 percent this year given the projected momentum in air travel.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines, on the sidelines of a press briefing in Mandaluyong on Monday, said they had already seen some good volume this quarter, accommodating about 4 million passengers during the first two months.

READ: Record high: Naia passengers topped 50M in 2024

Ines said more passengers were expected to fly soon during the observance of Holy Week.

Naia saw its passenger volume rise by 10.43 percent to a record-high 50.1 million last year. It handled 293,488 flights last year, up 4.83 percent from 2023.

Along with heavier passenger movement, Ines said that “a lot” of carriers were also eyeing to set up operations at Naia, which will translate to more routes abroad.

One of them is Air Canada, whose slot is still being discussed by the regulator. The Canadian airline recently announced plans to launch a nonstop service between Vancouver and Manila.

Turboprop phaseout

Meanwhile, Ines said they were ready for the planned transfer of some turboprop operations outside Naia by Mar.ch 30 to decongest the airport and make way for bigger jets instead.

But the MIAA official said the Manila Slot Coordination Committee might conduct a review on the policy following the entry of new officials.

Vivencio Dizon recently assumed office as new transportation secretary, alongside Jim Sydiongco, undersecretary for aviation.

Cebu Pacific earlier said it would transfer its flights to Masbate and Siargao from Manila to Clark this month following the government order.

Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp., operator of Clark International Airport, previously said Philippine Airlines would move their turboprop operations by October.

As for the airport upgrade, Ines said the New Naia Infra Corp. has been implementing measures to improve passenger experience.

The San Miguel-led group is teaming up with global airport technology company Collins Aerospace to roll out solutions that will enable faster check-ins and baggage drops and improved security.