AirportWatchPH, a prominent advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding travelers’ rights, has voiced significant apprehensions regarding the Department of Transportation’s (DOTR) recent decision to increase fees at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The organization questions the rationale behind the DOTR’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, which appears to prioritize revenue generation over the promised infrastructure enhancements associated with the NAIA rehabilitation project.
The newly implemented fee structure entails a rise in international terminal fees from PHP750 to PHP1,000 and domestic terminal fees from PHP200 to PHP300. In addition, overnight parking fees have skyrocketed, reaching PHP1,200 for cars and a staggering PHP2,400 for buses. Airlines are also grappling with increased landing, takeoff, and parking charges, costs that are expected to be transferred to passengers through higher ticket prices.
“Why has the DOTR designed a PPP model that appears more interested in raising funds from travelers rather than delivering value? The public was told that the NAIA rehabilitation would lead to better facilities and services, yet all we see are higher fees with no immediate improvements. This seems like a revenue-raising scheme that forces travelers to bear the costs without tangible benefits,” according to Ren delos Santos, AirportWatch.PH Spokesperson.
These fee hikes are particularly concerning given the current economic landscape, where inflation is already straining the budgets of travelers and businesses. AirportWatchPH argues that the increased costs will disproportionately impact Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), budget-conscious travelers, and local enterprises. The rise in air travel and cargo costs could stifle demand, reduce accessibility, and hinder the movement of goods, particularly critical in an archipelago where air travel is vital for domestic connectivity and economic growth.
“Instead of delivering on its promise to modernize the airport, the DOTR has implemented what feels like a cash grab. Higher costs for passengers and airlines translate into higher costs for consumers and businesses across the board. This PPP scheme was supposed to bring about necessary upgrades, but we’re seeing fee hikes before any significant improvements have materialized,” delos Santos added.
AirportWatchPH is calling for an immediate hold on the fee increases until substantial infrastructure enhancements are implemented. The group argues that imposing higher fees before actual upgrades imposes an unfair burden on airport users, who are effectively being asked to pre-fund improvements that have yet to materialize. This approach recalls past public outcry over delayed infrastructure upgrades in the tollway sector and risks repeating the same missteps at NAIA.
The increased fees may jeopardize NAIA’s status as a key air cargo hub. Rising operational expenses for businesses are likely to be passed onto consumers, exacerbating inflationary pressures and impacting the overall economy. The tourism sector is also at risk; as air travel costs rise, the Philippines could become less appealing to both international and domestic travelers seeking affordable options.
AirportWatchPH emphasizes that the DOTR must prioritize public interest. The newly imposed fees should correlate directly with visible improvements that enhance airport efficiency, safety, and the passenger experience. The organization urges all stakeholders — travelers, business owners, and policymakers — to demand clarity on the allocation of these funds. As one of the country’s most critical transportation hubs, NAIA’s management must focus on providing value rather than merely extracting revenue. By freezing these new fees until tangible improvements are made, the DOTR can help rebuild public trust and ensure that the airport’s development genuinely serves the community’s interests rather than just the financial objectives of concessionaires.