Manila – Major airlines have voiced concerns regarding the proposed reassignment of airline operations across the terminals at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and careful study of the plan scheduled to start on September 14 with the new management’s takeover.
According to Philippines News Agency, the new NAIA management aims to centralize all foreign carriers at Terminal 3, designate Terminal 1 exclusively for Philippine Airlines (PAL), move Cebu Pacific’s (CEB) domestic operations to Terminal 2, and transition AirAsia’s domestic flights to Terminal 4. This strategy is intended to enhance runway utilization and increase the number of aircraft movements per hour.
CEB, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed agreement with the long-term goals of NAIA’s new management but stressed the necessity of a “thorough consultative process” and adequate preparation to ensure a smooth transition that minimizes passenger disruption. Reflecting on their experience with a similar transition at Changi Airport, CEB highlighted that a year-long period of discussions and coordination was essential for a successful move.
AirAsia Philippines also underscored the importance of detailed planning, including time and motion studies and environmental considerations, to ensure effective implementation with minimal disruption. “We trust that optimizing airport utilization will benefit everyone involved,” the airline commented.
Korean Air’s Regional General Manager for the Philippines and Guam, Byung Kwon Lee, pointed out that the proposed reallocation needs to consider specific operational times and the capacity of different terminals to avoid congestion. With multiple foreign airlines operating around midnight, he advocated for a balanced distribution between Terminals 1 and 3, based on aircraft type and runway performance.
Data from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) shows that Terminal 1 currently supports 18 foreign carriers and all of PAL’s international flights, while Terminal 3 hosts 22 foreign carriers, including CEB and AirAsia’s hubs for international flights. Last year, MIAA’s efforts to reorganize airline terminal operations aimed to transform Terminal 2 into a fully domestic facility, increasing its capacity by 20 percent to accommodate up to 10 million passengers annually.