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In a statement on Monday, April 21, 2025, the San Miguel Corp.-led firm said this total marked a 12.7-percent increase from the same period last year, reflecting rising travel demand and improved airport throughput.
Easter Sunday recorded the highest daily volume with 156,635 passengers. The week’s average daily traffic stood at 146,611, with both domestic and international segments posting double-digit growth.
International traffic rose 11.21 percent, while domestic travel increased by 14.19 percent year-on-year.
Despite operating beyond its designed capacity, NAIA terminals reportedly maintained orderly and efficient operations throughout the peak travel week. NNIC attributed this performance to recent infrastructure and process improvements, supported by coordinated efforts with various government agencies.
In preparation for Holy Week, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), led by Secretary Vince Dizon, worked with the Bureau of Immigration to deploy additional personnel and open more counters during high-traffic periods. These measures were matched by NNIC’s ongoing upgrades, which include expanded terminal facilities and streamlined passenger handling systems.
NNIC, which took over airport operations in September 2024, has implemented several initiatives to boost efficiency. These include the deployment of additional boarding bridges, modernization of security screening and baggage systems, enhanced curbside and parking capacity, and improved power and cooling systems. CCTV systems now provide full coverage of baggage handling to improve oversight.
Operational gains were reflected in NAIA’s on-time performance, which reached 83.28 percent across all terminals during Holy Week—an indicator of improved flight handling and ground coordination.
“This Holy Week showed how much better NAIA is becoming. We saw higher passenger numbers, but smoother and faster operations. That’s not by chance, it’s the result of planning, investment, and teamwork. I want to thank the DOTr led by Secretary Dizon, our other government partners, the entire NNIC team, and all the hardworking staff at NAIA. We’re just getting started, and we will keep working to build the airport our country deserves,” said NNIC president Ramon Ang.
NNIC plans to invest around P170 billion in the coming years to modernize and expand the airport. The project, awarded through a competitive process, secured the government a revenue share of 82.16 percent under terms set by the DOTr and the Asian Development Bank.
NNIC said that, together with its regulator the Manila International Airport Authority and other stakeholders, it will continue to implement upgrades aimed at meeting long-term travel demand and improving service levels.
