NAIA braces for Holy Week rush

With an estimated 150,000 passengers per day expected to crowd the terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this Holy Week, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) are working hand in hand to ensure the airport is fully equipped to manage the surge.

According to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the agency is closely coordinating with San Miguel Corporation and MIAA to monitor airport operations amid the anticipated traveler congestion.

Dizon said additional personnel have already been deployed to check-in counters to help manage long queues.

“Sa mga sandaling ito, medyo busy ngayon ang airport natin pareho, domestic at international,” MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Castro Ines said in an interview with DZRH.

("As of now, the airport is quite busy — both domestic and international.")

He assured the public that NAIA and MIAA are ready, with over 1.18 million passengers expected from 13 to 20 April, a 14.23 percent increase from the 1.04 million recorded in the same period last year.

To accommodate the influx of travelers, comfort rooms are currently being renovated to ensure cleanliness and availability.

“Nagbukas kami last week ng isang extension ng immigration para sa OFW. Bagong-bago ‘yun. May anim kaming idinagdag," Ines added.

("We opened a new extension of the immigration area for OFWs just last week. It’s new, we’ve added six counters.")

Passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights.

Authorities also remind the public to double-check flight details, ensure travel documents are complete, and avoid bringing prohibited items in both hand-carry and checked luggage.