The New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) has enforced a news blackout at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
This decision follows the new private operator’s policy to restrict media access to the airport lobby only. The NNIC, (formerly SMC SAP & Co. Consortium), took over the operations of NAIA last September 14, 2024.
An information officer revealed to Manila Standard that the NNIC is considering completely canceling the accreditation previously granted by MIAA to reporters covering the airport. The NNIC aims to limit media coverage to essential matters.
“The NNIC just wants media coverage if needed,” he said.
Various irregularities and controversies, such as theft and extortion, occur at the airport on a daily basis as reported by members of the media.
Media reports have also highlighted the presence of rats, cockroaches, and bedbugs on airport premises, leading to criticism from both netizens and business groups.
In September last year, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) personnel were investigated and subsequently suspended due to a series of thefts involving security screening officers at the airport.
This included an incident where an officer swallowed three $100 bills from a Chinese traveler departing Manila. The incident resulted in the resignation of then-OTS chief Ma. O Aplasca.
The San Miguel- led New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), the private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has also increased its parking fees effective Oct. 1.
Overnight or 24-hour car parking fees increased to P1,200 from the current P300. For short-term parking, the fee rose to P50 for the first two hours and P25 for every succeeding hour, from P40 for the first three hours and P15 for every succeeding hour.
The NNIC has said that its move to hike the overnight parking fee at the country’s main gateway was not meant to rake in more profit but to enhance parking access for passengers.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has defended the increase in airport and terminal fee, saying that it is unlikely to lead to a substantial increase in air fares, which could harm the tourism industry.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the increase in airport charges and passenger terminal fees is part of the terms and conditions outlined in the government’s concession agreement with the new NAIA operator.
“It’s in the AO [administrative order]. The AO is part of the concession agreement. But, as I mentioned earlier, we can review it … [But] let’s give it a chance, muna, siguro?” Bautista said.
“Part of the process is a continuing dialogue with the stakeholders,” he added.
Bautista stressed that the higher airport charges and passenger terminal fees would enable the San Miguel Group, the new concessionaire, to recover some of its investments.
He said the airport charges, which include landing and take-off as well as parking fees, would increase before end-2024, while passenger terminal fees would also increase by 2025.
The New NAIA Infrastructure Corp, (formerly SMC SAP & Co. Consortium) took over the operations of NAIA last September 14, 2024.
The NNIC signed a P170.6-billion contract in March 2024 to operate, maintain and upgrade NAIA for 15 years, extendible for another 10 years.
San Miguel Group earlier said it is mobilizing at least P88 billion in capital investments within the first six years and at least P122.3 billion in capital investments for its entire 25-year concession period.
The government expects to generate P900 billion in revenues in the course of the 25-year concession period, inclusive of the P30 billion upfront payment, P2 billion annual payment and 82 percent government revenue share.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “News blackout implemented in NAIA.”
