Air travelers using Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) can look forward to a smoother and less congested airport experience in the coming years as the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) begins construction on two new passenger terminals.
NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez announced that the company is building a new Terminal 4 at the site of the former international cargo terminal, as part of a larger initiative to address the growing passenger volume that has already exceeded the airport’s original design capacity. In 2024, NAIA handled around 51 million passengers—far beyond its annual designed capacity of 32 to 34 million. Alvarez projects that figure to rise to 54 million in 2025.
“We are already making moves,” Alvarez said. “The old Terminal 4 will no longer be continued because we saw that it was a major hazard, an obstacle.”
To make way for the new terminal, NNIC is coordinating with government agencies and bonded warehouse operators to relocate existing facilities over the next three months. The new Terminal 4 will be designated for domestic flights of AirAsia Philippines and Cebu Pacific, helping to decongest the current terminals.
In addition, NNIC plans to demolish the Philippine Village Hotel by April 21 to build Terminal 5. This facility, expected to be completed in two to three years, will serve as an extension of the existing Terminal 2, accommodating an additional 22 million passengers annually.
The initiatives form part of NNIC’s broader P123.5-billion capital expenditure plan to modernize and rehabilitate NAIA over its 25-year concession period. NNIC is a consortium composed of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp.
“These infrastructure improvements will not only relieve congestion but also elevate the overall passenger experience,” Alvarez said, noting that NNIC’s 2025 focus will be on upgrading facilities and streamlining operations to meet rising demand. “Our goal is to transform NAIA into a modern, efficient gateway that supports the country’s tourism and economic growth.”
For air travelers, these developments promise faster check-ins, reduced delays, and a more comfortable travel environment—making NAIA a world-class hub befitting the Philippines’ growing role in regional and global aviation.
