Insider Spotlight
The Pampanga-based gateway was named one of only six airports worldwide to receive the Best Airports at Arrivals Globally award at the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards organized by Airports Council International (ACI) World.
The recognition places Clark International Airport alongside major global hubs at a time when airports are under mounting pressure to scale operations without compromising service.
Why it matters
Global passenger traffic is projected to hit 9.8 billion in 2025 and climb further to 10.2 billion in 2026, according to ACI World. The surge is testing airports’ ability to maintain efficiency while delivering a smooth, welcoming experience—particularly at arrival touchpoints that shape first impressions.
“To be named among the world’s Best Airports at Arrivals is a proud moment for Clark International Airport and for the Philippines. This recognition reflects the hard work of our team and partners who ensure that every passenger is welcomed with efficiency, comfort, and genuine Filipino hospitality,” Noel Manankil, president and CEO of Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp., the manager and operator of CRK, said in a press statement on Feb. 24, 2026.
“We believe that an airport should give the first positive experience to visitors to our country, and we remain committed to giving this positive arrival experience as traffic grows globally,” Manankil said.
By the numbers
ASQ is the only global benchmarking program that measures passenger satisfaction in real time while travelers are at the airport.
Nearly 707,000 passengers worldwide were surveyed across all operating hours, days, and months using scientifically designed sampling methods.
The 2025 results show passengers increasingly value clean, welcoming environments and smooth, human-centred interactions.
Border and Passport Control recorded the largest satisfaction gains, underscoring the importance of frontline staff in reducing stress at critical journey points.
Despite sustained traffic growth, global passenger satisfaction improved in 2025. Airport ambience and cleanliness emerged as the strongest drivers of overall satisfaction.
“Airports are demonstrating that passenger satisfaction can continue to rise despite growing pressure,” said Justin Erbacci, director general of ACI World.
“These awards reflect the collective efforts of airport teams and stakeholders worldwide. As we celebrate the ASQ program’s 20th Anniversary, we recognize two decades of trusted insights and recognition that have helped airports create better and more memorable journeys.”
What’s next
The 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Awards Ceremony will be held during the ACI World Airport Experience Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, where 100 airports will be recognized across 195 awards. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
