Cebu Pacific Air is asking San Miguel Corp.-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) to ensure that all necessary operational support and systems are in place before any terminal changes are implemented.
In a statement, the country’s largest carrier said that while it fully supports the long-term vision of NNIC including the planned terminal re-assignments, it is vital that preparations are made for a seamless transition.
To ensure there is minimal disruption to passengers, Cebu Pacific said “a thorough consultative process and sufficient preparation time are essential for every terminal transfer.”
“In Singapore, it took us a year of discussions and coordination with both parties before we moved to Changi Airport Terminal 4 from the low-cost carrier terminal. This illustrates the critical need for comprehensive planning and cooperation in such transitions,” the carrier explained.
It noted that “ultimately, what matters most is ensuring minimal disruption for passengers, especially during peak travel periods like Christmas, which is the busiest time of year for us.”
Cebu Pacific stressed that “if sufficient time and consultation are given, terminal transfers can be handled smoothly. With proper planning and open communication, airlines can successfully manage these transitions.”
On Sept. 14, NNIC will begin a major overhaul of Manila's main airport, starting with terminal reassignments and initial rehabilitation efforts.
During the Aviation Forum held by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) and SMC, NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez said this takeover would boost terminal capacity from 35 million people yearly to 62 million. The runway efficiency will also increase from 40 movements per hour to 48.
For the first four years, Alvarez said they will focus on reassigning terminals, as “Terminal 2 will become purely domestic, terminal 1 will be used by Philippine Airlines and other foreign airlines will be transferred to Terminal 3 along with Cebu Pacific and AirAsia.”
To reduce congested traffic, the NNIC will expand and improve passenger terminals, landside and airside roads, and more parking facilities.
In the next five years of the operation, Alvarez stated that they would upgrade the terminals, equipment, and systems for safety and security purposes. This includes the passenger processing system upgrade, baggage handling, passenger boarding bridges, and electrical and air conditioning.
Information Technology (IT) programs will be rolled out in phases starting this month until December of 2027, as they plan to install new CCTVs around terminal 3 as well as optimize free and faster public WiFi.
To boost passenger convenience further, NNIC said they will refurbish existing comfort rooms, have more terminal seating capacities, better retail service, and maintain the airport’s people movers.
Alvarez also acknowledged the need to address the power issue in terminals and said that they are planning to have a new substation exclusive to NAIA.