In a statement on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, New NAIA Infra Corp. said the country’s main aviation gateway accommodated 50.1 million passengers last year, marking a 5.08-percent increase from its pre-pandemic peak in 2019 and a 10.43-percent rise compared to 2023.
The airport also handled 293,488 flights, reflecting an 8.08-percent growth from 2019 and a 4.83-percent increase year-over-year.
These statistics exclude general aviation, emphasizing the sustained demand for commercial air travel.
“More Filipinos are flying, and more visitors are coming to the Philippines,” said NNIC president Ramon Ang.
The San Miguel Corp.-led NNIC assumed NAIA’s management in September 2024
“This growth is a clear sign that confidence in air travel has returned, and it motivates us to work even harder. Our goal is to ensure that NAIA provides a better experience for everyone—passengers, airlines, and partners alike,” he added.
The figures highlight the Philippines’ ongoing recovery as a global travel destination and its growing importance in regional tourism and trade.
Since NNIC took over operations, the airport has managed increasing passenger volumes while rolling out operational improvements.
During the peak holiday travel period from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, NAIA achieved an average on-time performance of 83.36 percent, with a high of 88.35 percent recorded on Dec. 31—the best on-time performance since NNIC assumed management.
NNIC has outlined plans for 2025, focusing on infrastructure upgrades and operational enhancements to meet rising passenger demand.
The company aims to transform NAIA into a modern, efficient hub that supports the Philippines’ goals for tourism and economic growth.
The record-breaking performance in 2024 reinforces NAIA’s role as a key driver of the country’s air travel sector, signaling renewed confidence in aviation and sustained demand for connectivity, the company said.
