The Department of Transportation included a P130-billion mandatory infrastructure investment clause in the terms of reference for the bidding of the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“Aside from the P30-billion upfront payment, there is a commitment to spend P130 billion for mandatory infrastructure that should be implemented within the next five years,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
He said a number of foreign companies expressed interest to join the bidding for the P170.6-billion NAIA rehabilitation project.
Bautista said the department would publish the invitation to bid for NAIA by the first week of August and schedule the submission of bids after two months.
“By November, we can already open the bids and award by the end of December,” Bautista said.
“The financial closing will take about three to six months, so hopefully by the middle of 2024, the winning bidder can start the concession agreement,” Bautista said.
The DOTr and the Manila International Airport Authority will serve as co-grantors for the project, which has a 15-year duration, with an option for a 10-year extension.
The NAIA privatization project aims to address longstanding issues at NAIA such as the inadequate capacity of passenger terminal buildings and restricted aircraft movement.
It also aims to increase the annual airport capacity from 35 million to 62 million passengers and raise air traffic movement from 40 to 48 per hour.
The project is also expected to improve the overall passenger experience and service quality to prevent long queues, lengthy waiting times and other passenger inconveniences.
The National Economic and Development Authority board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., earlier approved the solicited proposal to rehabilitate, operate, expand and transfer NAIA. It is now known as the Solicited NAIA PPP Project.