Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), commonly referred to as NAIA, serves as the principal international gateway to the Philippines. Located in Metro Manila, this bustling aviation hub connects the Philippine archipelago to destinations worldwide while serving as a vital economic lifeline for the nation’s capital region.
MNL History
The story of Manila’s main airport begins in the 1930s when the site was originally developed as Nielson Field, a military airbase used by the United States Army Air Corps. Following World War II, the facility was converted to civilian use and officially inaugurated as Manila International Airport in 1948, replacing the older Nielson Airport in Makati.
In its early years, the airport featured a modest terminal building and basic facilities that served the limited air traffic of the post-war era. The 1950s and 1960s saw gradual expansion as international air travel became more accessible, with improvements to runways and terminal facilities to accommodate larger aircraft and increasing passenger numbers.
A pivotal moment in the airport’s history came in 1972 with the opening of a new terminal building (now Terminal 1), designed to handle the growing international traffic. This development coincided with the declaration of Martial Law under President Ferdinand Marcos, a period that saw significant infrastructure investments across the Philippines.
The airport underwent a profound transformation on August 21, it was renamed in honor of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a prominent opposition leader who was assassinated on the tarmac of this very airport in 1983 upon returning from exile in the United States. His death became a catalyst for the People Power Revolution that ultimately toppled the Marcos regime and installed his widow, Corazon Aquino, as president.
The 1990s brought further expansion with Terminal 2, known as the Centennial Terminal, opening in 1999 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Philippine independence. Terminal 3, the largest and most modern of the airport’s facilities, faced numerous delays and contractual disputes before finally becoming fully operational in 2014, nearly 15 years after construction began.
Today, NAIA continues to serve as the Philippines’ primary international gateway, though it faces significant capacity challenges that have prompted discussions about developing a new primary airport for Metro Manila.
MNL Quick Facts
- Official Name: Ninoy Aquino International Airport
- IATA Code: MNL
- ICAO Code: RPLL
- Location: Pasay and Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines
- Elevation: 23 meters (75 feet) above sea level
- Size: Approximately 700 hectares (1,730 acres)
- Runways: Two intersecting runways (06/24 and 13/31)
- Terminals: Four terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4)
- Operating Hours: 24/7
- Distance from Manila City Center: Approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles)
- Operator: Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA)
- Named After: Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., Philippine senator and opposition leader
- Previous Names: Manila International Airport, Manila Air Base (during WWII), Nielson Field
Key Statistics
Ninoy Aquino International Airport has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s busiest aviation hubs. Before the global pandemic, the airport was consistently handling over 45 million passengers annually, making it one of the top 30 busiest airports in Asia.
In 2019, its record year, NAIA processed 47.9 million passengers, including approximately 21 million international travelers and 26.9 million domestic passengers. The airport manages approximately 730 aircraft movements daily during peak seasons, connecting Manila to over 50 international destinations across the globe.
As the main gateway to a nation of over 7,000 islands, NAIA serves as a crucial economic engine, contributing an estimated PHP 650 billion (approximately $12 billion) annually to the Philippine economy. The airport complex directly employs around 15,000 people, with tens of thousands more working in airport-related industries throughout Metro Manila.
Cargo operations are significant, with the airport handling approximately 600,000 metric tonnes of freight annually. This positions NAIA as the primary logistics hub for the Philippines, particularly for high-value exports like electronics and perishable agricultural products.
The airport’s design capacity of approximately 30-35 million passengers annually has been significantly exceeded in recent years, leading to congestion issues that have prompted plans for expansion and the development of alternative airports serving Metro Manila.
International traffic is diverse, with the busiest routes connecting to East Asian destinations including Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei. Middle Eastern connections have grown substantially in recent years, reflecting the large Filipino expatriate workforce in the region.
Facilities
Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s four terminals offer varying levels of facilities and amenities:
Terminal 1: The oldest operating terminal, handling most foreign carriers. Despite renovations completed in 2015, this terminal remains challenged by its original 1972 design. Facilities include duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges for premium passengers, currency exchange services, and prayer rooms.
Terminal 2 (Centennial Terminal): Exclusively used by Philippine Airlines for both domestic and international flights. Split into two wings (north for international, south for domestic), it features improved amenities including expanded dining options, retail stores, lounges, and passenger service centers.
Terminal 3: The newest and largest terminal, serving both international and domestic flights from various carriers including Cebu Pacific and most foreign airlines. This modern facility offers extensive shopping and dining options, multiple airline lounges, children’s play areas, nursing stations, and a transit hotel for connecting passengers.
Terminal 4 (Domestic Terminal): The smallest terminal, primarily serving domestic operations by AirAsia Philippines and other smaller carriers. Limited in amenities but offers basic services including food kiosks, small retail outlets, and passenger service counters.
Shopping: Each terminal offers duty-free shopping, with Terminal 3 providing the most extensive retail options including local Philippine specialty stores selling items like dried mangoes, handicrafts, and pearls alongside international brands.
Dining: Food options range from international fast-food chains to restaurants serving Filipino cuisine. Terminal 3 houses the widest selection, while Terminal 1 and 4 offer more limited choices.
Lounges: Premium passengers can access carrier-specific lounges, with the Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge in Terminal 2 and multiple airline lounges in Terminal 3 being the most well-appointed. Pay-per-use options are available for economy travelers.
Connectivity: Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals, though connection quality can vary. Charging stations are present in waiting areas, particularly in Terminals 2 and 3.
Accommodations: The Wings Transit Lounge in Terminal 3 offers sleeping pods and shower facilities for transit passengers. Several hotels operate within a 5-minute drive of the airport complex, with some providing shuttle services.
Special Services: Dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, though advance notification is recommended. Prayer rooms and medical facilities are available in all terminals.
Airlines and Destinations
Ninoy Aquino International Airport serves as the primary hub for the Philippines’ major carriers:
Philippine Airlines: The country’s flag carrier operates from Terminal 2, offering extensive domestic connectivity and international routes to Asia, North America, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Cebu Pacific: The Philippines’ largest low-cost carrier operates from Terminal 3, serving domestic destinations and international routes primarily within Asia and Australia.
AirAsia Philippines: Operates primarily from Terminal 4 for domestic services and Terminal 3 for international flights, focusing on budget travel within Southeast Asia.
Cebgo, PAL Express, and other regional carriers: Provide essential connectivity to smaller Philippine destinations.
Major international airlines serving NAIA include:
- North American carriers: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines
- European airlines: KLM, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa
- Middle Eastern carriers: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines
- Asian airlines: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, China Airlines, EVA Air, and various Chinese carriers
The airport offers direct connections to major global destinations including:
- Asia: Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai
- Middle East: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah
- North America: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Toronto, Vancouver
- Australia/Oceania: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland
- Europe: London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Istanbul
Ground Transportation
Ninoy Aquino International Airport offers multiple options for reaching Metro Manila and surrounding areas:
Taxis: Regular metered taxis are available outside all terminals, though airport-accredited coupon taxis with fixed rates are recommended for tourists. Premium airport taxis charge higher rates but offer newer vehicles and more reliable service.
Ride-hailing Services: Grab (Southeast Asia’s equivalent to Uber) operates extensively at NAIA, with designated pickup points at each terminal. This option often provides more predictable pricing than traditional taxis.
Airport Buses: Premium point-to-point (P2P) bus services connect the airport to major business districts including Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City, offering comfortable, air-conditioned transportation at reasonable rates.
Public Transportation: More adventurous travelers can use public jeepneys and buses that pass near the airport, though these aren’t recommended for first-time visitors or those with significant luggage.
Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels in Manila offer complimentary or paid shuttle services for their guests.
Car Rentals: Several international and local car rental companies maintain service counters across the terminals, though navigating Manila’s traffic as a visitor can be challenging.
Terminal Transfers: Free shuttle buses connect the four terminals, operating approximately every 15-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions within the airport complex.
Future Development
The future of air travel in Manila is set to undergo significant transformation:
NAIA Rehabilitation: Plans for comprehensive rehabilitation and expansion of the existing airport have been proposed by various consortiums. These typically include upgrades to terminal buildings, additional taxiways, modernized baggage handling systems, and improved ground transportation access. The latest proposal, valued at approximately PHP 100 billion ($1.8 billion), aims to increase capacity to 62 million passengers annually.
New Manila International Airport: The most ambitious development is the New Manila International Airport (also known as Bulacan International Airport) being developed by San Miguel Corporation in Bulacan province, approximately 35 kilometers north of Manila. This PHP 735 billion ($14 billion) project will feature four runways and an initial capacity of 35 million passengers, eventually expanding to handle 100 million passengers annually upon full development.
Clark International Airport Expansion: Located approximately 100 kilometers north of Manila, Clark International Airport has undergone significant expansion to serve as an alternative gateway. A new terminal opened in 2021, increasing capacity to 12 million passengers annually, with further expansion planned.
Infrastructure Connectivity: Major transportation projects including the North-South Commuter Railway and various expressway developments aim to improve connectivity between Manila and these alternative gateways, reducing travel times and congestion.
NAIA Decongestion Measures: Immediate operational improvements include the implementation of collaborative decision-making systems, runway optimization, night-time slot utilization, and advanced air traffic management technologies to maximize the existing facility’s capacity while longer-term solutions are developed.
Terminal Improvements: Ongoing renovation and modernization efforts aim to enhance passenger experience, with Terminal 2 undergoing significant renovation and Terminals 1 and 4 scheduled for upgrades to improve facilities and operational efficiency.
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