MANILA — Passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are now noticing tangible improvements a year after New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), a private consortium, assumed management of the country’s main gateway.

The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) welcomed the upgrades, highlighting the benefits to airlines and travelers alike. “Our airlines welcome the improvements at NAIA, from the installation of more immigration e-gates to the provision of new transit facilities, OFW lounges, and runway and taxiway upgrades that help increase aircraft movements and improve safety and efficiency,” ACAP Executive Director Jose Enrique Perez de Tagle told the Philippine News Agency.

Immigration and OFW facilities
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently witnessed the phased rollout of 78 additional electronic immigration gates (e-gates) at NAIA. While e-gates have been in operation since 2018, the new units are expected to reduce processing time to about 20 seconds per passenger, easing congestion during peak hours.

The OFW Lounge at Terminal 1 has been expanded, offering 24/7 access to complimentary food and drinks, resting areas, charging stations, and secure baggage storage. A similar lounge at Terminal 3, opened in July 2024, remains free for all OFWs regardless of ticket class.

Safety improvements
Following a vehicle crash outside Terminal 1 in May 2025, NNIC conducted an audit of airport bollards and redesigned departure drop-off areas at Terminals 1 and 2. The diagonal unloading layout was replaced with a parallel configuration to improve passenger safety.

Additional passenger enhancements
Passengers also benefit from two new food halls at Terminal 3, including a 6,200-square-meter dining space featuring 17 local brands. A 200-square-meter Dignitaries Lounge at Terminal 3 was opened for official engagements, accommodating up to 61 guests.

Other upgrades include advanced X-ray units, additional carts and seating, and the conversion of unused areas in Terminals 1–3 into bus gates for smoother passenger transfers.

Future developments
Construction is underway for Terminal 5 on the former site of the Philippine Village Hotel, which will handle an additional 35 million passengers annually. Plans are also set for a new Terminal 4 between Terminals 1 and 2 to serve domestic airlines.

“This shows how this partnership with the government is delivering improvements that the public can actually see and feel. As we enter the new year, we look forward to continuing this work and building on what is already in place,” NNIC President Ramon Ang said.

(PNA)