Better NAIA

Less than four months after taking over the management and operations of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the private sector consortium New NAIA Infra Corp. or NNIC has done more than what the government has accomplished for the country's premier gateway for many decades.

- MARY ANN LL. REYES

The privatization of NAIA could not have come at a better time since the Manila-based airport is gearing up for increasing numbers of passengers and flights in the years to come.

Already, NAIA has achieved its highest-ever passenger and flight numbers last year, signaling the growing strength and potential of air travel in the Philippines.

According to recent reports, NAIA handled 50.1 million passengers in 2024, up by 5.1 percent from its previous high in 2019 before the pandemic and 10.4 percent more than in 2023.

The airport also recorded 293,488 flights, an 8.1-percent increase compared to 2019 and 4.8 percent higher compared to 2023.

NNIC president Ramon Ang said that more Filipinos are flying and more visitors are coming to the Philippines and this growth is a clear sign that confidence in air travel has returned.

The company pointed out that the numbers highlight the country's recovery as a travel destination and its growing role in tourism and trade in the region. Since NNIC took over in September 2024, the airport has steadily managed increasing passenger volumes while introducing operational improvements.

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 on Dec. 31, the highest OTP at NAIA since NNIC began managing the airport.

NNIC said that for 2025, its focus will be on further improving infrastructure and streamlining operations to keep up with increasing passenger demand, with the goal of transforming NAIA into a modern and efficient airport that can support the country's goals for tourism and economic growth.

What are the best improvements introduced so far at NAIA in the three months that NNIC has been at the helm? NNIC has listed some.