Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corporation is planning to invest up to P5 billion to construct a new off-ramp from the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX) to NAIA Terminal 3 to decongest heavy traffic in the area.
In an interview with reporters, SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said the cost will range from P3 billion to P5 billion depending on whether the first phase will be enough to decongest traffic in the intersection leading to the terminal or require an underground road.
“It will have an underground option but the budget will be P3 billion to P5 billion. We will see if (the underground option is necessary) after building Phase 1,” he explained.
He added that, “if we see that the merging traffic in the area remains heavy and we need to build underground, then we will do it” although he expressed concern that “underground is not only costly but it will create traffic during construction and we cannot afford any traffic. We cannot afford adding more traffic in that area.”
Ang noted that the construction of the off-ramp to terminal 3 will start soom since they have already secured permits from the Pasay city government and the Toll Regulatory Board.
“It should be okay,” said Ang since no objection to the proposed project has been raised and both Manila Electric Company and (Maynilad Water Services Inc.) have also been mobilized (for the relocation of their lines and pipes).
He added that the project will take about 12 months to complete and should be operational by next year.
NAIA Infra Corporation, a consortium led by SMC, has won the 25-year concession to operate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for $3 billion. It will take over the operations of the airport next month.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that travelers can look forward to an improved experience at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as its operation and maintenance (O&M) is set to be transferred to the private sector next month.
DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said that a comprehensive overhaul of facilities at NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3 will take place once the consortium led by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) takes over the airport’s O&M responsibilities.
“Expect that there will be many changes, many improvements of the facilities and terminals—all the terminals—particularly Terminals 1, 2 and 3,” Bautista said in a statement.
The proposed rehabilitation plan aims to enhance its capacity and facilities significantly. With projections to increase annual passenger throughput from 35 million to 62 million and boost runway capacity from 40 to 48 movements per hour.
The San Miguel-led consortium also plans to invest P88 billion within the first six years— a rise from the government’s previous average annual investment of just P2 billion.
The funding will be directed toward modernizing NAIA's infrastructure to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. A key aspect of the project is not only to improve capacity and safety but also to streamline the passenger experience throughout the airport.