The New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. said it expects to complete a new passenger terminal at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) within the next three to four years to increase capacity.
NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez expressed optimism the demolition of the Philippine Village Hotel would commence next year to pave the way for the construction of NAIA Terminal 2’s extension, or Terminal 5.
“We are coordinating with the local government of Pasay, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority to convince the LGU to issue a demolition permit,” Alvarez said.
He said the construction of the new passage terminal would expand NAIA’s capacity to 50.2 million passengers from the current 35 million.
NNIC president Ramon Ang said the construction of Terminal 5 would be completed within the next three to four years. “We hope the government can get rid of that building,” he said.
Ang said Terminal 2 and the new passenger terminal would be designated for domestic passengers, while NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 would accommodate international passengers.
He promised a 50-percent improvement in passenger experience this holiday season as it implements various upgrades at the 76-year-old international gateway.
Two months after taking over management of NAIA, the company implemented a series of improvements already made or underway at the international gateway.
These improvements, which include airside enhancements, landside developments and infrastructure upgrades, are part of the initial phase of NNIC’s larger, multi-year rehabilitation and modernization plan for NAIA.
The operator, which took over management on Sept. 14, 2024 said its current focus is to enhance the passenger experience, ease congestion and ensure all facilities operate reliably.
“NAIA has long been operating way beyond its intended capacity of 35 million passengers per year. It has been serving around 45 million per year, and this year, we are anticipating reaching more than 50 million. Over the years, this has taken a huge toll on the already aging facilities and equipment at NAIA, leading to inevitable breakdowns and inconvenience for passengers,” Ang said.
“That’s why right now our emphasis is on ensuring that all facilities and equipment work reliably. At the same time, we’re working to address congestion and improve operational efficiencies, while laying the groundwork for major construction works,” he said.
