The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is bracing for a surge in passengers this Holy Week, with daily traffic expected to peak at 157,000, according to New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) General Manager Lito Alvarez.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Alvarez said last year’s average daily volume was 145,000, but this year’s figures could climb to 155,000 to 157,000. NAIA handled around 160,000 passengers daily during the December-to-January holiday rush, he added.
“We are confident we can manage the influx,” Alvarez assured.
To help ease congestion, Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said 30 additional personnel will be deployed at NAIA terminals during the Holy Week period.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, who joined the inspection of NAIA terminals alongside other officials, acknowledged that some inconvenience is inevitable due to the expected passenger volume. He appealed for public patience, especially toward frontliners.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, who was also present, commended the improvements at NAIA, particularly the focus on passenger experience. She noted that restroom renovations have begun and expressed hope for further upgrades inspired by Filipino culture, including a dedicated space for showcasing local cuisine.
Dizon echoed Frasco’s observations, citing faster processing times and improved transport access.
TERMINAL DEVELOPMENTS AND MODERNIZATION PLANS
Alvarez also revealed that NAIA is targeting 54 million passengers this year—3 million more than in 2024.
However, the planned renovation of Terminal 4 has been scrapped due to safety concerns. Instead, a new terminal will be developed at the International Cargo Terminal, where AirAsia and select Cebu Pacific domestic flights will be transferred.
Demolition of the Philippine Village Hotel will begin on April 21 to make way for Terminal 5, which is expected to be completed within two to three years.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration is in the process of procuring new electronic gates (e-gates) to streamline processing.
By September, passengers can expect a more modern NAIA experience. Through a partnership with U.S.-based Collins Aerospace, the airport will undergo a “full system overhaul” that includes self-service check-in kiosks, pre-security e-gates, self-bag drop stations, and biometric boarding gates.
