It has been one year since the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Philippines’ busiest air gateway, transitioned under the management of San Miguel Corporation-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC). The historic turnover, aimed at modernizing facilities and raising service standards, was one of the most closely watched developments in Philippine aviation in recent years. Now, a year later, the big question remains: Have passengers and airlines truly experienced improvements, or are the changes overshadowed by higher fees?
A Year of Transition
The takeover by NNIC was part of the government’s ambitious plan to rehabilitate and manage the NAIA through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The goal was to address long-standing issues such as outdated infrastructure, inefficient passenger flow, congestion, and poor customer experience — challenges that had earned NAIA a less-than-stellar reputation internationally.
Since 14 September 2024, the NNIC has rolled out a series of measures designed to streamline airport operations. These include the planned implementation of digital check-in kiosks, new baggage handling equipment, upgraded air conditioning units in key passenger areas, and expanded shuttle services between terminals. Several gates and waiting lounges have also undergone refurbishments, with better seating and improved lighting.
Another significant change under NNIC’s first year of management is the demolition of the old NAIA Terminal 4 along Domestic Road, a facility that once served as the hub for budget domestic flights. NNIC announced that the terminal will be relocated to the current site of the International Cargo Terminal (ICT), with plans to build a more modern and spacious facility designed to handle the growing demand for low-cost carriers. While the move aims to ease congestion and improve efficiency, some industry observers worry about the disruption it could cause to cargo operations and whether the relocation will adequately address the needs of passengers who relied on the convenience of the old Terminal 4’s location.
The demolition also raises questions about the future of the former Terminal 4 site along Domestic Road. So far, NNIC has not released detailed plans for the vacated space, leaving room for speculation. Some industry insiders joke that the area might eventually be converted into an access point for the NAIA Expressway (NAIAx) or even an on- and off-ramp to the Skyway system. While such remarks may be tongue-in-cheek, they highlight the uncertainty surrounding how this prime airport-adjacent land will be repurposed and whether it will benefit passengers or simply serve as another piece of Metro Manila’s sprawling road network.
Passenger Experience: Mixed Reviews
For some passengers, the improvements are noticeable. Frequent flyers cite cleaner terminals, shorter lines in security and immigration at certain hours, and more reliable baggage claim systems. In addition, Wi-Fi connectivity, once a constant complaint, has reportedly become more stable — thanks to the telcos and ISPs who had been providing such service even before NNIC’s takeover.
However, others remain unconvinced. Complaints about overcrowding during peak travel times persist, with bottlenecks still occurring at immigration and check-in counters despite the deployment of additional staff. While the aesthetic and functional upgrades are welcome, travelers question whether these changes are enough to justify the accompanying rise in fees.
Higher Fees, Higher Expectations
One of the most controversial outcomes of NNIC’s first year of management is the increase in airport-related fees. Both airlines and passengers have reported higher costs, with terminal fees, concession rates, land lease/rental, and parking charges all seeing adjustments. While NNIC argues that the increases are necessary to finance ongoing modernization projects, critics point out that improvements remain incremental rather than transformative.
Passengers are also noticing fewer concessionaires operating inside NAIA. Many food stalls and retail outlets that once offered a variety of choices have closed down, leaving travelers with limited dining options. For long-haul passengers with hours to spend between flights, the lack of affordable meals and diverse cuisines has become a growing frustration. The shrinking number of concessionaires raises concerns that the airport may be prioritizing higher lease rates over passenger convenience, potentially undermining its competitiveness compared to regional hubs like Singapore’s Changi or Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, both of which are renowned for their extensive food and retail offerings.
Airlines’ Perspective
Airlines operating at NAIA also have mixed opinions. Some acknowledge that efficiency in ground handling and turnaround times has marginally improved, which helps reduce operational delays. However, low-cost carriers and smaller regional players express concern that higher landing and service fees could eventually translate to more expensive tickets, potentially discouraging tourism and business travel.
Government & NNIC’s Stand
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and NNIC both maintain that the first year is only the beginning of a long-term plan. They emphasize that infrastructure overhauls of this scale cannot be accomplished overnight and that fee adjustments are aligned with global benchmarks. According to NNIC in several news reports, revenue from the increased charges is being reinvested into critical upgrades.
As NAIA marks its first anniversary under NNIC, the debate over improvements versus rising costs highlights the delicate balance of airport management: ensuring passenger comfort and efficiency while maintaining financial sustainability. For many travelers, the jury is still out. Some changes are visible, but whether these improvements justify the increased fees remains an open question.
What is clear is that expectations are higher than ever. With plans for more extensive renovations and modernization over the next few years, passengers and airlines alike will be watching closely. The success of NNIC’s stewardship of NAIA will ultimately be judged not by the fees collected but by whether the airport can finally shed its long-standing reputation and deliver a world-class travel experience worthy of being the Philippines’ primary international gateway.