AirAsia Philippines said Tuesday it will start transferring its domestic flights to a bigger and better home at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on July 1, 2023.
“Our transfer to NAIA 2 is a winning move for our guests. They can now enjoy a bigger space and expect better airport service. We may be moving to a new terminal building but they can only expect the same world’s best service from AirAsia,” AirAsia Philippines chief executive Ricky Isla said.
“Now that we are on the growth stage, we look forward to expanding further our domestic routes and capacity through this new terminal building,” he said.
AirAsia Philippines’ transfer to NAIA T2 is part of the Manila International Airport Authority’s schedule and terminal assignment rationalization which aims to decongest NAIA Terminal 4.
The airline’s international flight will remain at NAIA Terminal 3.
“Change is good and we are embracing it. Weeks before our scheduled transfer we’ve already sent preflight notifications to our guests via SMS, registered email and have announced the movement extensively through our social media platforms. Also, we are working closely with MIAA management to make sure that we close the gaps of confusion among guests during the first few weeks of operation,” Isla said.
Manila International Airport Authority officer-in-charge Bryan Co said the transfer of AirAsia’s domestic flights to Terminal 2 would benefit passengers and boost local tourism.
“Those flying with the airline can expect more spacious accommodations, a higher safety rating and greater overall ease of access at T2, in line with our continued efforts to elevate guests’ overall experience at NAIA,” he said.
Once operational, AirAsia Philippines will be utilizing NAIA T2’s 20 check-in counters and four online check-in kiosks at the South Wing of the terminal. This doubles the number of NAIA T4’s check-in counters which is expected to make foot traffic faster.
NAIA T2’s departure gates have a sitting capacity of more than 13,000 which is a huge step up from NAIA T4’s 969 capacity.