Marcos leads launch of new NAIA 3 amenities

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the unveiling of new facilities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, advancing the administration’s goal of transforming the country’s main gateway into a more comfortable, efficient, and globally competitive airport.

During the inspection of the upgraded amenities, Marcos highlighted his commitment, made over a year ago in partnership with New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), to enhance the travel experience and position the Philippines as a Tourism Powerhouse in Asia.

“Hindi lamang ito usapin ng imprastraktura. Ito ay usapin ng malasakit—ng pag-unawa sa pagod, pangamba, at pananabik ng bawat Pilipino at bisitang dumarating sa ating bansa (This is not just a matter of infrastructure. It is a matter of compassion—of understanding the fatigue, worries, and anticipation of every Filipino and visitor coming to our country),” he said.

Previous upgrades at NAIA 3 include strengthened airside operations, improved seating, cooling systems, restrooms, and Wi-Fi, restored equipment, enhanced baggage handling, and new mobility options. 

These efforts have already shown results, with a single-day high of 92 percent on-time performance and the airport receiving its first-ever customer experience accreditation from Airports Council International.

Building on these improvements, Marcos and NNIC launched additional amenities to enhance passenger comfort and convenience, including immigration e-gates that allow travelers to clear immigration in as little as 20 seconds, the All-Filipino Food Hall and Mezzanine Food Hall offering more space to rest, dine, and socialize, a Dignitaries Lounge reflecting Filipino values of warmth and hospitality, and a Medical Tourism Concierge Area designed to assist patients with efficiency and compassion.

“Ito ay patunay na iginagalang natin ang oras ng bawat biyahero at pinahahalagahan ang kanilang dignidad—sapagkat ang maayos na serbisyo ay karapatan ng bawat Pilipino (This is proof that we respect the time of every traveler and value their dignity—because proper service is the right of every Filipino),” he said. 

Marcos also highlighted the Department of Tourism’s Transit Tour initiative, which allows international passengers with long layovers to explore the country. 

The program is available to travelers on Philippine Airlines, those connecting through other carriers, and domestic flight passengers.

The improvements aim to benefit all travelers, including families, the elderly, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). During the event, the President and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos met returning OFWs, including Rhodora Alcaraz Tuñacao from Hong Kong, who was injured while protecting an infant during a recent apartment fire.

Additionally, the President announced that the Bureau of Customs has begun distributing balikbayan boxes from 130 abandoned container vans to their rightful owners, ensuring delivery before Christmas.

The launch of these new facilities underscores the administration’s commitment to making NAIA a world-class airport while maintaining genuine Filipino service and hospitality.