The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), in the hierarchy of the world’s internationally connected airports, rose 14 notches in 2023 compared to the 2019 rankings.
Identified as MNL by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), MNL, NAIA ranked 15th in the top 50 global airport megahubs in 2023, higher than last year’s 20th place.
NAIA also secured the third spot in the top 25 low-cost carrier airport megahub category.
According to the 2023 Megahubs Index by OAG, or Official Airline Guide, provider of digital flight information, intelligence and analytics for airports, MNL has climbed from 29th place in 2019 to 15th place this year in terms of international connectivity.
The flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, emerged as the dominant air carrier with a 32 percent share of flights.
In this list led by the United Kingdom’s London Heathrow Airport, MNL also ranked 6th among the top megahubs in the Asia Pacific region, following KUL (Malaysia), HND (Japan), ICN (Republic of Korea), BKK (Thailand), and SIN (Singapore).
The OAG noted “The presence of seven Asian airport hubs in the Global Top 20 is significant considering the region is still on the path towards a full recovery.”
At present, MNL hosts 40 international carriers serving 58 international destinations. The latest addition to the NAIA roster in 2023 is ZIPAIR which launched its first flight between Manila and Narita in July. Additionally, PAL introduced nonstop flights to Perth and Air China now directly connects Tianfu Chengdu to NAIA.
Of the top 25 megahubs for low-cost international connections this year, MNL ranked 3rd and trailed KUL (Malaysia) and ICN (Republic of Korea).
MNL is the home of Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier (LCC), which will launch flights to Da Nang, a new destination from Manila, beginning 7 December this year.
HK Express will launch its inaugural Manila – Hong Kong flights on 13 October while United Airlines is scheduled to launch nonstop flights connecting Manila with San Francisco starting 30 October.
Thirteen Asia Pacific airports, including MNL, dominate the rankings, reflecting the high level of LCC penetration in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
“We are pleased that MNL is able to ride the momentum brought about by the strong and consistent travel rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the LCC penetration in our region. We are likewise grateful for the confidence the international carriers have extended to us. Testament to this is the growing number of applications from various international carriers who wish to operate flights in NAIA,” Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) officer-in-charge Bryan Co, said.
