Preparations are afoot allowing the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to privatize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) possibly by the first quarter of 2024.
This was bared Wednesday by Roberto Lim, transportation undersecretary for aviation and airports, saying “That is a very tough and tight schedule. We can say that is doable in the first quarter of next year.
He said the proposal will take some time to complete as there are a number of participants that have to be consulted.
According to Lim, the NAIA privatization presents upsides in terms of efficiency in passenger and flight movement, and generate income for the government at the same time.
“There is a lot of upside when your upgrade NAIA. You introduce efficiencies. That means you can process more passengers, you can take in more flights, and more revenues—which means a larger share for the government,” he said.
Lim also clarified the privatization will not take away the role of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the airport employees.
“The relationship between MIAA and the concessionaire will be regulator-operator. The MIAA will continue to operate as a body that will regulate and oversee,” he explained.
Lim likewise gave assurance there will be no loss of employment in general as airport employees will be offered the opportunity to work when the facilities are privatized.
Lim said all airport assets at the NAIA still belongs to the government as the role of the private concessionaire is limited to operations and management of the airport.
The DOTr and the MIAA have submitted the joint proposal to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project.
The private concessionaire has 15 years to operate the airport and recover its investment.
