NNIC remits P70 billion to government (1st of two parts)

The New NAIA International Corp. (NNIC) has already remitted approximately P70 billion to the government, less than two years after acquiring the operation of the country's premier gateway following the successful privatization of the airport on September 14, 2024. The NNIC has plans to construct Terminal 5, which will house domestic flight operations, alongside the existing Terminal 2 and the soon-to-be-built Terminal 3.

Initially, there will be three international terminals: Terminal 1 (the original NAIA), Terminal 3, and Terminal 4 (which will not be built). During a special tour for newly elected SMC independent director Jaime Bautista, journalists were invited to witness the improvements made at Terminal 3, currently operated by domestic carrier Cebu Pacific and several international airlines.

NNIC officials explained that Terminal 3 is the most efficient international departure terminal due to its proximity to the runway, enabling quick turnaround times for international carriers and improved runway usage. With future plans to include the domestic flight operations of PAL and AirAsia, the NAIA complex aims to meet a target passenger capacity of 62 million upon completion of Terminal 5 and the upgrade of Terminal 3's facilities, including the addition of more connecting tubes to improve passenger boarding and disembarkation.

Already, NNIC has significantly improved aircraft flight movements from 38 to 40 movements after transferring turbo prop operations to Clark International Airport, reducing runway separation distances and increasing passenger movement to 52 million last year. Terminal 3's designed passenger capacity is for 14 million passengers, but NNIC managed to accommodate up to 27 million passengers during the construction and improvement of the once underutilized airport facility.

The tour highlighted the transformation of Terminal 3's arrival area under the guidance of Cecile Ang, daughter of taipan Ramon Ang and vice president of NNIC. The arrival area has been revamped into a serene space with comfortable waiting areas, fast-food outlets, and designated counters for hotel representatives and foreign tourists, replacing the chaotic atmosphere of the previous arrival hall.

New escalators have been installed, providing easy access to the third floor, which offers a wider selection of food choices for passengers to enjoy before boarding their flights.