Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is finally beginning to resemble a “real airport” with major upgrades under its new private operator, citing improved efficiency, passenger comfort and global recognition as signs of progress at the country’s main gateway.
Speaking at the launch of new facilities, Marcos congratulated the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), led by its president, Ramon Ang, along with government officials and local leaders, including Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
“I was commenting to the first lady as we walked through the different parts of the airport — I told her, it looks like a real airport, finally,” the president said. “It now looks like the airports we go through when we travel abroad, and at least it is functioning like a modern airport. The multiplier effect of this efficiency is quite massive.”
Marcos said NNIC took over the rehabilitation and management of the aging gateway more than a year ago with a goal of transforming it into a passenger-centered facility, aligning with the administration’s push to position the country as a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
Improvements include eased congestion on the ground and in the air, strengthened airside operations, upgraded seating, improved cooling systems, better restrooms, expanded Wi-Fi access, restored equipment, enhanced baggage handling and new mobility options.
“Oh, the cooling system – it’s cold now,” Marcos said, drawing laughter. “Wherever you go in the airport, you’re comfortable.”
He said the upgrades go beyond infrastructure.
“Hindi lamang ito usapin tungkol sa imprastraktura. Ito ay usapin ng malasakit – ang pag-unawa sa pagod, pangamba, at pananabik ng bawat Pilipino at bisitang dumadating dito sa ating bansa,” Marcos said.
[Translation: This is not just an issue of infrastructure. It’s about compassion – understanding the fatigue, anxiety and anticipation of every Filipino and visitor arriving in our country.]
The president highlighted a major operational milestone: NAIA recently achieved a single-day on-time performance rate of 92 percent, even as passenger volumes and routes continued to grow. He also announced that the airport received its first-ever customer experience accreditation from the Airports Council International, which, according to its website, is an organization of airport authorities, informing members of industry practices and airport standards.
“So it’s not just us saying among ourselves that the airport is better,” Marcos said. “Even those who study airport conditions say that the Manila airport has improved.”
Another key development was the rollout of new immigration e-gates, allowing passengers to clear immigration in as short as 20 seconds.
“Ito ay patunay na iginagalang natin ang oras ng bawat biyahero at pinahahalagahan ang kanilang dignidad,” Marcos said.
[Translation: This is proof that we respect every traveler’s time and value their dignity.]
The event also marked the opening of new passenger amenities, including the All-Filipino Food Hall and the Mezzanine Food Hall, featuring dozens of local brands and restaurants aimed at showcasing Filipino cuisine. A new Dignitaries Lounge and a Medical Tourism Concierge Area were also launched to provide more comfortable, private and compassionate services for officials and medical travelers.
Tourism initiatives were also highlighted, including the introduction of a Transit Tour program for international passengers with long layovers, allowing them to experience Philippine culture, heritage and people outside the airport.
“Layunin po nating iparamdam ang diwa at ganda ng Pilipinas kahit sa maikling panahon lamang,” Marcos said.
[Translation: Our aim is to let travelers feel the spirit and beauty of the Philippines, even if only for a short time.]
Marcos said a number of improvements were designed with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in mind, calling them the country’s modern-day heroes.
“Ang ating mga OFW, ang ating mga bagong bayani [Our OFW, our new heroes],” he said.
He cited the story of Rhodora Alcaraz Tuñacao, an OFW involved in a recent fire abroad who rescued a baby in her care despite the danger, as an example of Filipino compassion and courage.
The president also announced that the Bureau of Customs has begun releasing around 130 abandoned container vans of balikbayan boxes left unclaimed because of unpaid fees by shipping companies.
“These boxes do not belong to the government. They belong to our OFWs,” Marcos said, citing efforts to return the packages – some sent as Christmas gifts last year – to their rightful owners before the holiday season.
The president called for sustained cooperation between the government and private sector, saying the NAIA reforms show possibilities when institutions work together with the people’s welfare in mind.
