Insider Spotlight
The milestone capped the first year since NNIC assumed operations on Sept. 14, 2024. Passenger traffic rose 6 percent year-on-year to 51.7 million, while flights handled reached 283,771.
Seamless travel push
NNIC is preparing to roll out a facial recognition system developed with Collins Aerospace.
The system will allow passengers to check in, drop bags, clear security, and board flights using only their faces, aimed at reducing queues and speeding up processing.
Upgrades across terminals
Operational changes such as reconfigured parking stands, expanded taxiways, and removal of abandoned aircraft freed up airside space, enabling new routes with 47 airline partners.
Inside terminals, passengers saw upgrades including 11,820 new chairs, 2,500 trolleys, Wi-Fi speeds boosted from 1 Gbps to an average of 10 Gbps, and 21 new air-conditioning units.
A new overseas Filipino worker lounge in Terminal 3 has already served nearly 500,000 passengers, with a second lounge planned at Terminal 1.
Funding and sustainability
Terminal fees will be adjusted starting Sept. 14 for the first time in 20 years. Even with the increase, NAIA’s rates will remain among the lowest in Asia, according to government and its adviser, the Asian Development Bank.
Since turnover, NNIC has remitted P48.3 billion to government, including a P30-billion upfront payment.
Sustainability efforts include clearing 266,463 tons of waste and silt from waterways, banning single-use plastics, and introducing efficiency measures.
What they’re saying
“Operating an airport the size and scale of NAIA will always be demanding,” said NNIC president Ramon Ang.
“But what this first year has shown is that with teamwork, discipline, and the dedication of our people, real change is possible,” he added.
— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas
