Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is stepping up its preparations to ensure efficient operations this Holy Week, with more than one million passengers expected to flock to the country’s main gateway.
NAIA is expected to welcome over 1.18 million passengers within the period beginning Palm Sunday on April 13 to Easter Sunday on the 20th. This is a 14-percent increase from last year’s 1.04 million passengers.
Flight movements are also anticipated to rise from 6,537 flights last year to 6,724 this year.
New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private operator of NAIA, is expecting Good Friday (April 18) to be the busiest day with 851 flights, while Tuesday (April 15) will see the lightest traffic with 818 flights. These figures are higher than any single day during Holy Week last year.
As NNIC prepares for its first Holy Week stretch since taking over airport operations, it is ramping up precautionary measures to maintain safety and security during the busy week.
The operator is in close coordination with government agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), as well as its airline partners, to ensure smooth operations and limit potential delays.
“Everyone is working hard to keep things running as smoothly as possible as we prepare for the Holy Week rush,” said NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez.
“We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation in the days ahead, as we work together to make the travel experience better for everyone,” he added.
NNIC has prepared assistance desks that will operate round-the-clock across the terminals of NAIA. These will be staffed by airport personnel, medical teams, and uniformed officers to support the needs of travelers.
Additional traffic aides will be deployed to manage curbside and parking flow.
Further, the operator has committed to improving Wi-Fi connectivity to ensure that passengers can stay connected to their loved ones.
Passengers are told to brace for larger crowds, longer lines at check-in and security, and possible flight delays due to the expected high volume.
NNIC said passengers should arrive at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights to avoid delays.
“Travelers are also encouraged to double-check their flight details and terminal assignments, make sure their travel documents are complete, and avoid bringing prohibited items in their hand-carry or checked bags,” it said.
NNIC, a San Miguel Corp. (SMC)-led consortium, said its measures this Holy Week are built upon operational improvements during its first six months at NAIA.
Since it assumed operations of the airport in September last year, NNIC has deployed more passenger boarding bridges, upgraded security and baggage systems, and expanded transport and parking areas.
It previously inked a partnership with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to boost the airport’s power supply and unveiled new air-conditioning units for the comfort of passengers.
CCTV systems now cover the entire baggage handling process across the three terminals, further strengthening safety and transparency.