MIAA welcomes new airlines in NAIA

Manila International Airport Authority officials welcomed on Thursday two new airlines scheduled to begin operating flights to and from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air will be landing on the Philippines' main gateway after the successful launch of Hong Kong-based budget airline HK Express (carrier code: UO) and its daily direct flights between Hong Kong and Manila on 17 October, as well as United Airlines' nonstop flights connecting Manila with San Francisco on 30 October.

The MIAA said Greater Bay Airlines is poised to offer flights between Hong Kong and Manila, operating five days a week starting 9 November  Flight HB231 will arrive at NAIA Terminal 3 at 2 a.m., and flight HB232 will depart from NAIA Terminal 3 at 3 a.m.

Starting 1 December, Malaysia-based Batik Air will operate daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manila. Flight OD 510 will touch down NAIA Terminal 3 at 2:50 in the morning and at 3:50 in the morning, flight OD 511 will be taking off from the same terminal.

NAIA's growing roster of airlines

MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co said that the MIAA is pleased to welcome Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air to NAIA's growing roster of air carriers. This expansion reflects the airport authority's commitment to provide passengers with an even broader range of travel options.

Co also discussed the noteworthy effect of this development on the airport's connection, as the addition of new airlines solidifies Manila's standing as an airport with adequate international connectivity globally.

NAIA recently placed sixth among top international megahubs in the Asia Pacific region, third among top 25 low-cost carrier airport megahubs, and fifteenth among top 50 worldwide airport megahubs, according to the OAG Megahub Index 2023.

With the addition of Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air, NAIA will now be hosting a total of 48 air carriers, 42 of which are international and will be serving 57 international destinations.

The airport's acting chief credited the effective schedule management of the Airport Integrated Command and Control Center. The latter is a vital facility within NAIA that acts as the central hub for coordinating and controlling airport operations related to flight information services and gate planning, guaranteeing the seamless flow of arriving and departing aircraft, with MIAA's capacity to accommodate more flights.

Some 800 planes arriving in and departing from NAIA daily are now handled by the AICCC, and additional flights may be accommodated if runway slots become available.

More flying to Manila

Given Manila's reputation as a popular destination for foreign carriers, MIAA expects more new airlines flying here in the future.

Due to its advantageous Southeast Asian position, Manila serves as both gateway to the Philippines and a convenient place to halt for flights connecting Asia to the rest of the world. Major Asian cities, Australia and the Middle East can all easily access Manila.

This, coupled with the country's economic growth, popular local tourist destinations, and rich cultural attractions, positions Manila as an attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers, fostering an increased demand for international flight services and drawing more carriers into its network.

Co emphasized, "Apart from expanding the range of destinations for Filipinos and international guests flying to and from NAIA, we also seek to diversify our airline roster, ultimately benefiting passengers who will have access to more affordable and competitive air fares, as well as a wider array of flight options, including different departure times, various service classes, and potentially more convenient routes. This increased variety can better cater to individual preferences and needs."

 He added that the MIAA will continue to harmonize procedures and coordination to enhance the capacity to accommodate even more carriers and flights and leverage the use of digital technologies to further this objective.