Manila International Airport Authority general manager Cesar Chiong announced Saturday a major undertaking this week that will largely address passenger congestion at NAIA Terminals 2 and 4 in time for the expected surge in passenger volume in the coming weeks.

GM Chiong said that beginning Thursday, 1 December, Philippine Airlines flights to and from the United States, Canada, the Middle East and Bali (Denpasar) will transfer to NAIA Terminal 1. However, PAL's other international and domestic flights will remain in NAIA Terminal 2.

In view of the transfer, about 7,000 passengers daily will be moving to Terminal 1 where the average passenger volume currently stands at 13,000 per day.

The airport chief added that NAIA Terminal 1 is currently operating at 30 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity. An additional 7,000 passengers added to its daily passenger volume is manageable.

MIAA management emphasized that the check-in procedures employed in Terminal 2 will be retained and implemented in NAIA Terminal 1. US-bound passengers are still advised to give ample time for TSA-mandated secondary checks and other security inspections, which are a requirement for all US-bound flights.

For PAL passengers arriving in NAIA Terminal 1 who have connecting flights in NAIA Terminal 2, the airline will provide shuttle service for them, while others with connecting international or domestic flights in NAIA Terminal 3 and NAIA Terminal 4 may take the complimentary MIAA shuttle service to bring them to the said terminals.

Air Asia flights to and from Cebu and Caticlan will also be transferred to NAIA Terminal 3 beginning 16 December. The transfer will shift 40 percent of Air Asia's daily passenger volume from Terminal 4, thereby improving the situation at the terminal's pre-departure area, where congestion is usually observed.

GM Chiong strongly urged Philippine Airlines and Air Asia to strictly adhere to their slot schedules to avoid consequential delays if their first flight for the day fails to leave on time.

"This is really where the problem will arise, so I urge you to always be mindful of your on-time performance," said the airport chief during a meeting with the two airline companies. He further urged them to ensure maximum deployment of their ground personnel and guarantee the good working condition of their aircraft and ground equipment.