Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila International Airport, serves as the primary gateway to the Philippines and its 7,641 islands. As the busiest airport in the country, it is named in honor of former senator Ninoy Aquino, who was tragically assassinated at the airport.
NAIA consists of four terminals: Terminals 1 to 4. Designed to handle 35 million passengers annually, the airport has exceeded this capacity, managing 30% more than its design in 2023 (45,299,607 passengers). The airport features two runways, 13/31 and 06/24. However, these runways intersect, preventing simultaneous use.
Destinations served by NAIA
As of December 11, 2024, the airport has flights to 90 cities spanning 29 countries.
Philippines | Bacolod, Basco, Boracay, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calbayog, Catarman, Cauayan, Cebu, Coron, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, El Nido, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Masbate, Naga, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Panglao, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose (Antique), San Jose (Mindoro), Siargao, Surigao, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, Virac, Zamboanga |
China | Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen |
United States | Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle |
Australia | Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney |
Japan | Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo |
Vietnam | Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh |
Canada | Toronto, Vancouver |
Indonesia | Bali Denpasar, Jakarta |
Malaysia | Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur |
Saudi Arabia | Jeddah, Riyadh |
South Korea | Busan, Seoul |
Taiwan | Kaohsiung, Taipei |
Thailand | Bangkok, Chiang Mai |
United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi, Dubai |
Bahrain | Bahrain |
Brunei | Brunei |
Cambodia | Phnom Penh |
Ethiopia | Addis Ababa |
France | Paris |
Guam | Guam |
Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
Kuwait | Kuwait City |
Macao | Macau |
Netherlands | Amsterdam |
Oman | Muscat |
Palau | Airai |
Papua New Guinea | Port Moresby |
Qatar | Doha |
Singapore | Singapore |
Turkey | Istanbul |
History of NAIA
The site of NAIA began commercial operations with the construction of the first terminal, now known as Terminal 4. Initially, the airport operated with a single runway, 13/31.
In 1954, NAIA expanded with the addition of a longer runway, 06/24. This runway, like all runways, is numbered according to its direction relative to magnetic north. Runway 06/24 aligns at 60 degrees and 240 degrees, depending on the approach or take-off direction.
In 1956, a control tower was constructed as well as an international terminal. This international terminal stood at the site of present-day Terminal 2. On 1972 however, the new terminal was severely damaged by a fire.
Over the years, NAIA has seen numerous renovations and the construction of new terminals, growing to the current layout of four terminals and two runways.
Future plans
On September 18, 2024, a consortium led by San Miguel Corporation will assume operations of NAIA. The consortium plans significant upgrades and enhancing the remaining terminals and airside facilities.
The consortium plans to close down Terminal 4. Construction of a new terminal is also in the pipeline. The new terminal will feature 50 boarding gates, doubling the current capacity of NAIA.
In light of this, there are plans to increase the terminal fee from P550 to P950 for international flights.