NAIA T1 opens arrival curbside to all vehicles

In an effort to enhance accessibility for all travelers, not just VIPs, the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has opened the main arrival curbside of NAIA Terminal 1 to all private vehicles.

As part of a comprehensive initiative to improve passenger comfort and traffic flow at one of the airport’s busiest terminals, NNIC management explained that this change aims to offer all arriving travelers and their loved ones a more convenient and inclusive experience.

A key aspect of the newly redesigned pickup system at Terminal 1 is the opening of the arrival curbside to all passengers. This strategy seeks to enhance the passenger experience and ease traffic by simplifying pickups for metered taxis, private vehicles, and ride-hailing services.

The soft launch of the new system began on Friday, allowing passengers and transit providers time to adjust to the changes.

Full implementation is expected on Monday, providing ample opportunity to gather feedback and make any necessary adjustments for a smooth transition.

There are now 14 loading bays (A1 through A14) on the main arrival curbside where private vehicles can pick up passengers. Customers can wait comfortably at this location, instead of having to move to the ground-floor passenger arrival extension area to meet their ride. Additionally, shuttle bus services for terminal transfers will operate from this location, with stations located beyond Bay A14.

The outer curbside, B1 to B6, has been designated as an additional pickup area as part of the overall reconfiguration. The designated meet-and-greet space in this section is also set to open on Sunday, 12 January 2025. Grab ride-hailing kiosks will be strategically placed throughout the area to provide travelers with easy and convenient booking options.

Meanwhile, the ground-level arrival extension area will now house Rent-a-Car services, coupon taxis, and yellow metered taxis. This change is expected to maintain reliable public transportation access while further decluttering the main terminal curbside.

NNIC president Ramon S. Ang stated that these adjustments are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering a seamless and efficient airport experience. Efforts to resolve long-standing traffic issues at NAIA Terminal 1 continue, with the redesigned curbside system facilitating smoother connections for travelers and their loved ones.

To ensure a smooth transition, Ang revealed that the terminal will feature visible directional signage, and airport personnel will be on hand to assist arriving travelers and drivers in navigating the new system. NNIC encourages all travelers and guests to take advantage of the updated system for a more efficient and streamlined arrival process.

Meanwhile, NNIC introduced a new fleet of vehicles on Thursday.

The fleet includes two ambulances equipped with advanced medical gear and staffed by paramedics, three “follow-me” vehicles for more efficient aircraft parking, and four inter-terminal coasters to improve airside transfers for passengers, particularly those with connecting flights or mobility challenges.

Ang emphasized that these vehicles will support NAIA’s growing operations, with passenger traffic up 10.43 percent in 2024, reaching a record 50.1 million passengers. The new fleet will help maintain smooth operations, prioritize safety, and improve passenger experience as part of NNIC’s broader effort to modernize NAIA and provide world-class service.