OFWs spared from first gov’t-mandated NAIA fee hike in over 20 years

Insider Spotlight

• NAIA passenger service charge hikes start September 2025
• Operator says rates set by gov’t, not by private concessionaire
• OFWs remain exempt from international terminal fees
• Fees still lowest among major PH airports, below inflation levels

The private operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) said on Wednesday that the looming increase in passenger service charges is part of a government directive under the privatization of the airport’s operations, and not a unilateral move by the concessionaire.

In a statement on Aug. 20, 2025, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said the adjustments were mandated under Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2024, and approved by the Department of Transportation, the Cabinet, and reviewed by the Asian Development Bank.

“The PSC adjustment is a government-mandated, inflation-delayed update, necessary to sustain these improvements and deliver the larger modernization that passengers deserve,” NNIC said.

OFWs remain exempt

NNIC stressed that overseas Filipino workers will continue to be exempt from paying international terminal fees under existing regulations.

“We recognize the sacrifice and contribution of our modern-day heroes. Their exemption from terminal fees continues under the new framework,” the operator said.

Lowest in Asia, still below inflation

The new rates—P950 for international departures and P390 for domestic—take effect in September 2025. Even after the adjustment, they remain below inflation-adjusted values of P1,300–P1,400 and P480–P520, respectively, had the fees been updated regularly since 2000.

Despite handling more than 50 million passengers annually, NAIA’s passenger service charges remain the lowest among major Philippine airports and among the most affordable in Asia.

Modernization push

NNIC highlighted that passenger service charge collections are reinvested into airport operations and passenger facilities.

Since the takeover in September 2024, improvements include renovated restrooms, new air-conditioning systems, restored escalators, upgraded Wi-Fi and CCTV, wider curbside lanes, an OFW lounge, and biometric processing systems launching this September. Preparations for Terminals 4 and 5 are also underway to expand capacity.

The big picture

NAIA’s privatization was pursued through a public-private partnership model to inject funds and expertise without tapping taxpayers. The operator said the passenger service charge adjustment is key to sustaining upgrades at the country’s busiest and most complex airport, while keeping operations affordable for the flying public.