New NAIA terminal assignments by Q1 2025 - operator

Metro Manila, Philippines – New terminal assignments at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will be carried out beginning the first quarter of next year, the main gateway’s private operator said on Friday, Nov. 15.

In a press release, the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said it aims to reduce congestion in high-traffic terminals, particularly at Terminal 3 which will be exclusive for international flights.

“This will help improve operational efficiency and optimize runway utilization, leading to fewer delays and better on-time performance for the airlines,” NNIC said.

In a media engagement, NNIC General Manager Lito Alvarez said the company is working with other airlines on the terminal reassignment.

Among those targeted for transfer are AirAsia flights to T4 from T2, and domestic trips of Cebu Pacific to T2 from T3.

“So iyon ang continuous ang discussion namin. Ilan ba, 50% ba, 70% ba, 100% ba ng domestic flights nila ay ililipat natin ngayon…unti-unti,” said Alvarez.

[Translation: So that's the ongoing discussion we're having. How extensive will the transfer be? 50%, 70%, 100% of their domestic flights...we’ll do it gradually.]

Early this month, the aging NAIA T4 was closed for renovation to be reopened in February 2025. The terminal used to serve around 50 flights from Cebgo, AirSWIFT, and Sunlight AIR.

Meanwhile, NNIC President Ramon Ang unveiled plans for terminal expansion that will create T5 at the abandoned Philippine Village Hotel, which has yet to be demolished by the government.

Ang said the extension will accommodate 22 million more passengers annually.

The NNIC president said he is anticipating over 50 million passengers this year - higher than the usual 45 million travelers annually.

“Right now our emphasis is on ensuring that all facilities and equipment work reliably,” he said.