NAIA international traffic grows as airlines expand Manila routes

Insider Spotlight

• International passenger traffic at NAIA increased 2.6 percent to 19.93 million despite disruptions from the Middle East conflict.
• Airlines are expanding international services, including new routes connecting Manila to the United States and India.
• Airport operator NNIC reported improved flight punctuality and P83.6 billion in government remittances since September 2024.

International passenger traffic at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) continued to grow despite disruptions to global aviation caused by the Middle East conflict, as airlines announced additional routes connecting Manila to overseas destinations.

In a press statement on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, the San Miguel Corp.-led New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said international passenger volume increased 2.6 percent to 19.93 million between January 1 and October 22, 2026, from 19.42 million during the comparable period last year.

International travelers accounted for 48.1 percent of total passenger traffic, up from 46.6 percent previously. Domestic traffic, meanwhile, declined 3.4 percent to 21.49 million passengers.

Lito Alvarez

The NNIC general manager said passenger volume is growing despite global aviation challenges.

Why it matters

The figures indicate sustained demand for international air travel despite geopolitical uncertainties, even as domestic passenger volumes weakened.

“It’s encouraging to see international passenger traffic continuing to grow despite the challenges affecting aviation worldwide. It shows that demand for travel to and from the Philippines remains strong,” NNIC general manager Lito Alvarez said.

More international connections

Air France has resumed Philippine services, while Philippine Airlines plans nonstop flights to Chicago in November and Delhi and Mumbai in December, with the Indian routes subject to regulatory approval.

Delta Air Lines plans to introduce nonstop Los Angeles-Manila flights in March 2027, initially operating three times weekly before increasing to daily service in June. Indian carrier IndiGo is also expected to launch Manila services.

NAIA ranked sixth worldwide for international low-cost carrier connectivity in aviation data provider OAG's 2026 Megahubs index.

Improving airport operations

NNIC reported that system-wide on-time performance improved to 81.07 percent from 77.92 percent a year earlier, with arrivals averaging 82.09 percent and departures reaching 80.05 percent.

The airport operator has spent more than P6.8 billion on infrastructure improvements, including automated immigration gates, terminal upgrades and expanded passenger facilities.

NNIC also reported that its cumulative remittances to the government reached P83.6 billion as of October 15, 2026, since taking over airport operations in September 2024.

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas