NAIA prepares for record holiday travel surge with improved passenger experience

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is gearing up for the busiest holiday travel season at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), expecting over 2.296 million passengers from December 20 to January 3, a 10.95-percent increase from the same period in 2023.

With peak volumes anticipated, NNIC said it has rolled out enhancements to improve passenger experiences and manage the surge efficiently.

“We are working hard to make the experience as safe and comfortable as possible for all passengers,” NNIC president Ramon Ang said in a statement on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.

He added that Christmas is a time for connecting with loved ones, and NNIC aims to ensure smooth travel during this festive season.

Since assuming management of NAIA 90 days ago, NNIC has introduced several upgrades to enhance operations and passenger comfort. These initiatives, in place ahead of the holiday rush, include:

• Expanded curbside areas: Additional drop-off and pick-up lanes to ease congestion and improve traffic flow.
• Centralized transport hub: A dedicated hub for ride-hailing services and metered taxis at Terminal 3 for better ground transportation options.
• Improved comfort: Installation of new air-conditioning units across all terminals for enhanced cooling.
• Faster connectivity: Upgraded Wi-Fi services now provide free, high-speed internet access.
• Increased seating and trolleys: Terminal 1 added 400 new gang chairs, while Terminal 3 deployed 500 new trolleys, part of a 2,500-unit upgrade.

NNIC said it has collaborated with stakeholders, including the Manila International Airport Authority, the Bureau of Immigration, and airlines, to optimize terminal operations, staffing, and security measures.

Passengers are advised to arrive early — 2.5 to 3 hours before domestic flights and 3.5 to 4 hours for international flights — and to adhere to baggage restrictions for smoother security checks.

“We thank the public for their continued trust in NAIA as we work to provide a welcoming experience that reflects the joy and warmth of the holiday season,” Ang added.

To add holiday cheer, NNIC launched the NAIA “Fly and Win” promo. Running from December 16, 2024, to January 15, 2025, the raffle offers a BMW X5 for international passengers and a BMW 3 Series Sedan for domestic flyers.

Passengers can participate by scanning QR codes at the airport, with winners announced on January 17, 2025. — Ed: DLL