The parking rates adjustment at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is not intended to generate profit but to prioritize parking for passengers, the airport management said on Tuesday, Oct. 1, amid criticisms from netizens over what they described as an unreasonable increase.

In a statement, the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) confirmed that the new parking rates will be effective on Oct. 1 but stressed that it it was based on the Manila International Airport Authoity (MIAA) Administrative Order 1 that was issued this year through a resolution.

The NNIC emphasized that the parking rates adjustment was issued even before it took over the management and operation of the NAIA.

In a letter dated Sept. 30, New NAIA management announced that parking rates for cars would be set at ₱50 for the first two hours, ₱25 for each additional hour, and ₱1,200 for overnight parking.

Previously, the standard parking rate for cars is P40.

Motorcycles would be charged ₱20 for the first two hours, ₱10 for each subsequent hour, and ₱480 for overnight parking. The charge for the succeeding hours based on old rate is P5.

Buses, on the other hand, would face a rate of ₱100 for the first two hours, ₱50 for every additional hour, and ₱2,400 for overnight parking.

The criticisms, however, is mostly on the overnight parking rate. Previously, the standard fare for overnight parking was P300 for all vehicles, the succeeding hours for cars is P15. Motorcycles are charged P5 for succeeding hours for overnight parking while P20 for buses.

The NNIC, however, said the new rate is still at par with rates at other commercial establishments while the higher overnight parking rates “have been significantly increased to discourage the use of NAIA as a long-term parking facility.”

Prioritizing passengers

In the statement, the NNIC said the previous parking rates unintentionally encouraged misuse of the airport’s limited parking spaces.

“Many individuals, including those from nearby establishments and with no airport-related business, were taking advantage of the low rates for overnight or long-term parking. This created parking shortage for actual passengers, adding to congestion and frustration,” the statement read.

The NNIC said that the new rates are specifically designed to discourage non-travelers from using the airport for long-term parking and ensure that passengers have access to the parking they need, when they need it.

And by discouraging non-passengers to use the airport parking slots, the NNIC said it will eventually discourage long-term and overnight parking and eventually reduce the number of vehicles circling the airport to search for spaces, easing traffic flow and improving the overall airport experience.

“The adjusted rates will help NNIC better manage the limited parking resources and ensure that spaces are available for those who truly need them – passengers and airport users,” the statement read.

"The goal is to optimize parking for our passengers. While the previous rates may have been convenient for some, they created significant disadvantages for travelers. We believe these changes will create a more efficient and passenger-friendly airport experience,” it added.

Other changes

The NNIC said that some existing fixed-rate monthly parking agreements will not be renewed to free up more parking spaces for passengers.

Aside from optimizing existing parking facilities, the NNIC said it plans to increase parking capacity by building new facilities, starting with Terminal 3, which currently accommodates 65,000 to 68,000 passengers daily.

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