MANILA, Philippines — Ninoy Aquino Worldwide Airport (Naia) ended 2024 with record-breaking passenger quantity, proving that the aviation sector has absolutely unfold its wings because the pandemic-induced lockdowns clipped them a number of years in the past.
In a press release on Thursday, San Miguel Corp.-led New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) reported that passenger quantity had risen 10.43 % to 50.1 million final yr, which is markedly larger than the 35-million annual capability of the airport.
The most recent determine surpassed prepandemic passenger quantity by 5.08 %.
The nation’s major gateway facilitated 293,488 flights final yr, displaying 10.43-percent progress from final yr and a 5.08-percent enhance from 2019, or earlier than the pandemic.
READ: Extra flights, vacationers logged at Naia in January-October
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“Extra Filipinos are flying, and extra guests are coming to the Philippines. This progress is a transparent signal that confidence in air journey has returned, and it motivates us to work even more durable,” NNIC president Ramon Ang stated.
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NNIC has began managing and sustaining Naia because it was turned over in September.
The group started the renovation and security upgrades for Naia Terminal 4. This challenge is focused to be completed by February.
Terminal realignment
With its completion, NNIC will implement extra terminal reassignments this primary quarter to enhance the effectivity of runway use, permitting the airport to accommodate extra flights.
NNIC beforehand stated they might switch the operations of AirAsia Philippines to Terminal 4 from Terminal 2. The home flights of Cebu Pacific shall be moved to Terminal 2 coming from Terminal 3.
In the long run, different plans for terminal reassignment embrace the unique use of Terminal 1 for the worldwide flights of Philippine Airways. All of the overseas airways, in the meantime, will function at Terminal 3, which can even host the worldwide flights of Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines.
Terminal 2, in the meantime, will solely service home flights.
At current, Naia Terminal 1 is for worldwide flights whereas Terminals 2 and 4 are for home operations. Terminal 3 accommodates each native and worldwide flights.
In the meantime, the Naia operator can even set up new bathrooms and refurbish present consolation rooms, place extra seating capability and set up extra air-con items. It’s going to present higher self-check-in and self-bag-drop counters to make journey extra handy for the passengers.
Final month, NNIC signed with the federal government a 25-year lease of Nayong Pilipino property, the place it can construct airport services.
“Our aim is to make sure that Naia offers a greater expertise for everybody—passengers, airways, and companions alike,” Ang stated.