Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been officially handed over to business conglomerate New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC) as part of a Php170.6 billion (US$3.06 billion) plan to upgrade the airport’s facilities and capacity over the next 15 years.
Under the enhancement plan of NNIC, which includes South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation and local San Miguel Corporation, NAIA will see a series of short-term improvements over the next six months such as functional escalators and toilets, stable power and water, improved air conditioning, upgraded baggage handling, faster passenger processing, more seating and enhanced WiFi.
Within three years there will be runway improvements, increased terminal capacity, improved commercial spaces, better traffic flow and direct link from NAIA Terminal 3 to the Manila’s Skyway system.
Longer-term improvements will include a new terminal building capable of accommodating an additional 35 million passengers annually, flood mitigation in surrounding areas and linkage to the Metro Manila Subway.
By the time all enhancements are completed, passenger capacity will have been increased from 43 million to 62 million annually and air traffic movements from 42 to 48 per hour.
NNIC’s concession lasts for 25 years with the government to receive an 82.16% cut of revenues each year.
Speaking on the company’s acquisition of airport responsibilities over the weekend, NNIC president Ramon S. Ang said, “We ask the public for their patience. This will take time, but we will work hard to make quick improvements within the first three to six months.
“With continued support and cooperation from the government, airlines, passengers, and airport staff, we can achieve all our targets and transform NAIA into an airport every Filipino can be proud of.”
