More international flights eyed as NAIA undergoes improvements
The Philippines is seeing a steady increase in international destinations out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), as its private operator ramps up improvement efforts to unlock new global opportunities.
In a statement, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said more carriers are including Manila in their network expansions, reflecting a growing confidence in the country’s primary gateway.
Earlier this year, foreign carriers such as Air France, Air Canada, and Vietjet Airlines have started operating new routes to and from NAIA.
These carriers have mounted direct flights to Seattle, Vancouver, Paris, Brisbane, and Sapporo, providing a new path for Filipinos looking to find a new travel spot.
NNIC said more routes are expected soon, with Air India already preparing for its maiden direct flight to Manila and United Airlines set to add a second daily service to San Francisco in the fourth quarter of the year.
Apart from flights to other continents, the airport has begun servicing new regional routes, with the most recent being flag carrier Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) new direct service between Manila and Da Nang in Vietnam.
NNIC said these developments are a testament that the ongoing modernization and streamlining of operations at NAIA are starting to get the attention of foreign airlines.
“We are scoring quick wins where we can by improving systems, facilities, and passenger flow,” said NNIC President Ramon S. Ang.
“The results: we are now able to accommodate more flights and reduce congestion at the terminals,” he added.
Since taking over operations and maintenance of NAIA in September last year, NNIC has set its sights on improving efficiency and passenger experience.
This is set to kick into full gear with the completion of Terminal 5, which will help boost NAIA’s capacity to 62 million annually.
The new terminal, which is expected to start its operations up to three months after starting construction, will increase air traffic movements to 48 flights per hour from the current 40 to 42 flights.
NNIC has also cleared several abandoned aircraft from the airport, freeing up parking space and improving aircraft turnaround and ground movement.
The operator is currently overseeing an upgrade of check-in and baggage handling equipment to speed up the process for travelers.
These efforts will be supported by the government’s acquisition of biometric e-gates, which is seen to shorten processing at immigration counters.