MANILA, Philippines – The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is all set to begin its long-awaited rehabilitation, with 10 new flight routes to launch in the last quarter of 2024 as well.
The San Miguel-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) will be taking over the operations and maintenance of the country’s main international airport starting Saturday, September 14. (READ: Expect pricier flights: NAIA terminal fees may climb 73% after privatization)
According to NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez, the turnover will not disrupt current operations. It will be business as usual, with changes “implemented gradually and methodically.”
The rehabilitation of NAIA will nearly double annual terminal capacity to 62 million passengers from the current 35-million design capacity, Alvarez said on Monday, September 9, in an aviation forum hosted by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines. Initial works include landside and airside road improvements, passenger terminals expansion, existing terminal improvements, and new parking facilities.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista also said the government stands to gain P900 billion in revenues throughout the 25-year concession period.
“I am unable to hide my admiration for Mr. Ramon Ang and his team from SMC Infrastructure, after witnessing the way they are constructing the massive Bulacan International Airport, MRT7 (Metro Rail Transit Line 7), and other DOTr infrastructure projects,” Bautista said during the event. (READ: San Miguel’s Bulacan airport, MRT7 delayed until 2028)
New routes in Q4
As NAIA gets its much-needed makeover, travelers can also anticipate the launch of several new routes in the final three months of 2024.
At least 10 new flights between domestic and international destinations are set to start in October and December, including direct flights from Manila to Brisbane, Australia, and Paris, France.
Here is the list presented by Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso during the forum:
| Airline | Route | Frequency per week | Indicative entry period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippine Airlines | Manila-Seattle | 3x | October 2 |
| Cebu Pacific | Cebu-Osaka | 4x | October 15 |
| Cebu Pacific | Iloilo-Singapore | Daily | October 27 |
| Cebu Pacific | Iloilo-Hong Kong | Daily | October 27 |
| Cebu Pacific | Davao-Bangkok | 3x | October 29 |
| Cebu Pacific | Manila-Chiang Mai | 3x | October 29 |
| AirAsia | Manila-Nagoya | 3x | October 29 |
| United Airlines | San Francisco-Narita-Cebu | 7x | October |
| Qantas Airways | Brisbane-Manila | 4x | October 28 |
| Air France | Paris-Manila | 3x to 4x | December |
Philippine Airlines also previously expressed interest in restarting direct flights to Europe — possibly in France — by 2025, although the flag carrier is still seeking help from the government to make potential flight prices affordable. – Rappler.com