Healthy competition to raise airport operations in PH to global standard
The landscape of Philippine airport operations has shifted dramatically and is poised for significant transformation.
The San Miguel Corporation-led consortium has taken control of the operations of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), while Aboitiz InfraCapital is ramping up its involvement in regional airport concessions. These developments, marked by increased competition and fresh investments, have the potential not only to modernize the country’s airport infrastructure but also elevate operational efficiency and security standards to a level comparable to leading airports globally, such as Singapore’s Changi Airport.
For a long while, the Philippine aviation sector has struggled with underinvestment in infrastructure and operational inefficiencies — the result is NAIA earning the distinction as one of the worst airports in the world. Despite the strategic importance of airports for tourism, trade, and overall economic development, many of the country’s facilities remain outdated and overcrowded.
However, with new players like the San Miguel-led consortium and Aboitiz InfraCapital entering the scene, the landscape is rapidly changing. Both are bringing in significant capital and experience to the table to overhaul key airports, improve passenger experience, and bring international standards of safety and security.
San Miguel-led consortium’s takeover of NAIA signals a new era for the country’s busiest airport and main international gateway. The consortium, under its agreement, has outlined plans to modernize the terminal, expand capacity, and improve the efficiency of air traffic management, all of which are expected to significantly reduce delays and improve the passenger experience. On the other hand, Aboitiz InfraCapital, which has secured regional airports like those in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Laguindingan, and most recently in Bohol, is investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including new terminals, runways, and modern amenities.
With the advent of these new concessions, the Philippine airport sector is beginning to move toward modernization to meet the demands of global travelers.
The San Miguel-led consortium has ambitious plans for NAIA. Aside from focusing on upgrading outdated infrastructure and improving terminal design, they have also committed to enhancing airside operations to ensure smoother traffic flow, as well as investing in digital technologies to streamline check-in processes, baggage handling, and flight scheduling. If executed as planned, these upgrades could help NAIA achieve the efficiency levels seen at global hubs such as Changi Airport, which is often ranked as one of the best in the world due to its innovative technology and seamless operations.
Aboitiz’s plans are equally ambitious. It has prioritized the development of passenger-friendly infrastructure and seamless travel experiences. New terminals and expanded runway facilities aim to address capacity constraints, while the design of new facilities takes cues from world-class airports, focusing on ease of movement, accessibility, and overall comfort.
The competition between these two major players is expected to drive a race to meet international standards of efficiency, comfort, and safety, elevating travel experience.
As airports evolve, so too must their security infrastructure. Modernization efforts are not limited to passenger amenities and operations but must also address the growing challenges of airport security.
Changi Airport, for example, is known for its cutting-edge security measures, which include biometric screening and smart surveillance systems that facilitate efficient yet thorough security checks. The Philippines, through these concessionaires, must adopt similar advanced technologies to ensure a secure yet streamlined experience which is essential to boosting the country’s reputation as a safe and efficient destination for business and tourism.
By introducing competition, innovation, and much-needed capital, these developments are expected to raise the standards of airport operations in the Philippines to match the best in the world.