NAIA’s welcome makeover faces holiday test

For millions of Filipinos, airports are places of arrivals, departures, reunions and renewed hopes. With Undas upon us and Christmas approaching, the transformation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) could not be more timely.

Five new dining and retail establishments have opened at Terminal 2’s North Wing: Kenny Rogers Roasters, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Paris Baguette, General’s Lechon and Travel Hub. They are part of New NAIA Infra Corporation’s (NNIC) “Food. Fly. Fun.” initiative to make waiting areas more welcoming.

These conveniences matter, but the more compelling story is operational. The San Miguel Corporation-led NNIC, which assumed airport operations in September 2024, reports that international passenger traffic rose 2.6 percent to 19.93 million from 1 January to 22 October 2026, from 19.42 million a year earlier. Domestic traffic, meanwhile, declined 3.4 percent to 21.49 million.

Over the same period, system-wide on-time performance improved to 81.07 percent from 77.92 percent, a gain of 3.15 percentage points. These numbers suggest progress, although passengers still judge performance by the delays and inconveniences they personally endure.

NNIC reports more than P6.8 billion in completed and ongoing improvements, including 78 automated immigration e-gates at Terminals 1 and 3, upgraded waiting areas and work on baggage and power systems. It also reports P83.6 billion in remittances to the government as of 15 October. Such investments should be matched by transparent service standards and tangible passenger benefits.

NAIA handled approximately 52 million passengers in 2025, against an original annual design capacity of 35 million. The challenge is not cosmetic. It is about expanding capacity while keeping an overstretched gateway safe, dependable and accessible.

International connections are also widening. Air France has resumed Philippine service, while Philippine Airlines has announced plans for Chicago, Delhi and Mumbai routes, subject to applicable approvals. Delta has announced plans for Los Angeles–Manila flights in March 2027. These developments make efficient terminals and predictable airport operations even more important.

Undas litmus test

In its 26 October announcement, NNIC projected 1.25 million passengers during the 27 October–4 November Undas period, with 30 October expected to be the busiest day at roughly 149,000 travelers. It announced additional personnel, security, assistance desks, traffic marshals and round-the-clock monitoring through a Terminal 2 command center.

These preparations are welcome. But the test lies at the check-in counters, immigration desks, baggage carousels and boarding gates. Travelers are advised to arrive at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures, while checking flight status and terminal assignments.

Undas brings families home to honor departed loved ones. Christmas carries even greater emotional weight, particularly for overseas Filipino workers returning after long separations. Our OFWs support countless households through their sacrifices and remittances. A welcoming airport is among the simplest ways our country can honor them.

I was reminded of this during my recent arrival from Los Angeles with my wife, Tess, through NAIA Terminal 1. Having passed through airports abroad, I appreciated the improvements at our own gateway, although some areas still need attention. Coming home should be a comfortable, dignified experience.

Priority must go to senior citizens, persons with disability, families with young children and overseas workers carrying precious pasalubong. Affordable food, accessible transportation, clean restrooms and reliable baggage handling are necessities, not luxuries.

The airport experience begins well before boarding. Travelers must contend with road congestion, curbside access, security screening and sometimes confusing terminal arrangements. Cooperation among airlines, immigration officials, transport providers and airport management is essential. Even excellent facilities cannot compensate for missed connections, disorderly queues or inadequate assistance to vulnerable passengers.

More than a facelift

For decades, NAIA has struggled with congestion and aging infrastructure. Reforming its reputation requires sustained investment, competent management and firm government oversight. The public-private partnership must demonstrate that commercial improvements and public accountability can advance together.

For San Miguel Corporation chairman Ramon S. Ang and NNIC, the challenge is larger than opening restaurants and installing equipment. It is to restore confidence through safe, orderly and timely journeys. The Undas rush — and soon the Christmas peak — will reveal how well the airport performs under pressure.

Ultimately, a world-class airport is measured not by its boutiques or impressive structures, but by how efficiently, safely and humanely it serves travelers. For a nation that treasures family reunions, the greatest gift an airport can offer is a comfortable and timely journey home.