The newly formed NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) is expecting a 50 percent improvement in passenger experience this upcoming holiday season as it rolls out a series of upgrades at the 76-year-old Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). By reducing congestion and improving operational efficiency, the NNIC is confident the improvements will lead to a much smoother journey for holiday travelers.
Ramon S. Ang, president of NNIC, emphasized the importance of coordination with airlines to ensure on-time departures and avoid flight overlaps. “This Christmas season 2024, there will be at least 50 percent improvement from last year kasi alam na namin pakiusapan yung mga airline na wag magsabay sabay ng departures,” he said in a mix of Filipino.
Since taking over operations in September this year, NNIC began implementing upgrades addressing the airport’s aging infrastructure, which has struggled to cope with traffic far exceeding its intended capacity. With NAIA handling over 45 million passengers annually—well above its 35 million capacity—NNIC is prioritizing reliability, passenger comfort, and congestion management as part of its multi-year modernization plan.
Several projects have already been completed or are underway, including the renovation of Terminal 4, the expansion of passenger boarding bridges, and the installation of a new explosive detection system (EDS) scheduled for 2025. NNIC has also worked with PLDT/Smart and Converge to boost internet speeds, offering passengers free, high-speed Wi-Fi for up to three hours.
Key infrastructure improvements include the optimization of parking, road networks, and curbside flow. The airport has freed up 1,800 parking slots and is widening terminal curbs to accommodate more passengers during peak times. Additionally, a new Overseas Filipino Workers’ lounge at Terminal 3 opened in July, providing better amenities for travelers.
NNIC is also focusing on enhancing the airport’s power reliability with a dedicated substation and backup power systems at Terminal 3. Looking ahead, the operator is working with airline stakeholders to implement new terminal assignments in early 2025 to ease congestion and improve operational efficiency.
With these upgrades in place, NAIA is set to offer a better, more reliable experience for passengers this holiday season, easing the burden on travelers as they navigate one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia.
