Manila: Daily passenger volume at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this Holy Week could reach up to 157,000, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) general manager Lito Alvarez said on Thursday. “Last year, the (average daily passenger volume) was 145,000. We are expecting 155,000 to 157,000 daily this year,” Alvarez stated during a press conference.
According to Philippines News Agency, NAIA catered to a daily average of 160,000 passengers during the holiday season from December to January. Alvarez expressed confidence that the airport could handle the expected surge in passengers this Holy Week. Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval informed the Philippine News Agency of the deployment of around 30 more personnel at the NAIA for the holiday period.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, speaking at the same press conference, acknowledged that inconveniences might arise due to the increased passenger numbers but urged the public to remain patient, especially with airport workers. Dizon, along with other government officials, visited NAIA terminals on Thursday. Both he and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco praised the improvements made by operator NNIC and regulator Manila International Airport Authority.
Frasco noted that customer experience has been prioritized, with recent renovations to restrooms. She expressed anticipation for further enhancements, particularly those that highlight Filipino culture and showcase Philippine gastronomy. Dizon observed improvements in transport options and faster passenger processing times.
NNIC general manager Lito Alvarez assured the public of more improvements in the coming months. The NNIC aims to accommodate 54 million passengers this year, an increase of 3 million from the 2024 target. The San Miguel Corp.-led consortium has decided to halt the renovation of Terminal 4 due to safety concerns. Instead, a replacement terminal will be developed at the International Cargo Terminal, which will host AirAsia domestic flights and some Cebu Pacific flights.
Alvarez also announced the demolition of the Philippine Village Hotel starting April 21 to make way for the construction of Terminal 5, expected to be completed in two to three years. The Bureau of Immigration is currently in the process of procuring new e-gates. By September, passengers will experience modernization at NAIA through NNIC’s partnership with US-based Collins Aerospace, which includes a “full system overhaul” with self-service check-in kiosks, pre-security e-gates, self-bag drop stations, and biometric boarding gates.
