The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said Thursday the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) recorded its highest-ever passenger and flight volumes in 2024, signaling the robust growth of air travel within the Philippines.
NAIA handled 50.1 million passengers last year, up 5.08 percent from a previous high in 2019 before the pandemic, 10.43 percent from 2023, NNIC said.
The airport also recorded 293,488 flights, an 8.08-percent increase compared to 2019 and a 4.83-percent rise from the year before. These figures excluded general aviation but showed the steady growth in demand for travel.
“More Filipinos are flying, and more visitors are coming to the Philippines,” said NNIC president Ramon Ang. NNIC assumed management of the airport in September 2024.
“This growth is a clear sign that confidence in air travel has returned, and it motivates us to work even harder. Our goal is to ensure that NAIA provides a better experience for everyone—passengers, airlines, and partners alike,” said Ang.
The numbers highlight the country’s recovery as a travel destination and its growing role in tourism and trade in the region. Since NNIC assumed operations in September, NAIA has steadily managed increasing passenger volumes while introducing operational improvements.
It said during the peak holiday travel period from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, the airport recorded an average on-time performance (OTP) of 83.36 percent, with a high of 88.35 percent recorded on Dec. 31, the highest OTP at NAIA since NNIC began managing the airport.
NNIC said its focus for 2025 would be on further improving infrastructure and streamlining operations to keep up with rising passenger demand.
It said it aims to transform NAIA into a modern, efficient airport that can support the country’s goals for tourism and economic growth.
