Pasay City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 to observe the ongoing progress and improvements following the government's partnership with the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC). Marcos was joined by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Eric Jose Ines, and NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez during the inspection.
According to Philippines News Agency, the visit highlighted the enhancements made since NNIC assumed operations of the airport on September 14, 2024. President Marcos toured several areas, including the Immigration Area, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Immigration Annex, OFW Lounge and Rest Area, Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) area, and Arrival curbside area. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan also accompanied him during the inspection of facilities dedicated to OFWs.
President Marcos expressed his intention to personally assess the upgrades since NNIC's takeover, stating, "That's why we're here to see for myself and I can say that there have been many changes." He also welcomed NNIC's plans to expand airport services and facilities to enhance passenger travel experiences. This visit aligns with his administration's commitment to modernize the 76-year-old premier international gateway and improve overall passenger experience.
The NNIC, led by San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMC) and comprising RMM Asian Logistics, Inc., RLW Aviation Development, Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp., secured a PHP170.6-billion public-private partnership project last year. This project involves operating and rehabilitating NAIA, with the group offering the largest revenue share of 82.16 percent to the government.
Since taking over NAIA operations, NNIC has prioritized infrastructure upgrades and optimization of airport processes. The SMC-led consortium is expected to revamp the NAIA complex, including the runway, taxiway, ramp areas, and firefighting facility. The goal is to increase the annual passenger capacity from 32 million to 60 million.
In March, NNIC partnered with Collins Aerospace, a global leader in airport technology, to incorporate advanced systems designed to streamline operations and align NAIA with international aviation standards. The project, slated for completion by September 2025, will introduce a Common Use Passenger Processing System and Common Use Self-Service kiosks to facilitate easier check-ins and baggage drop-offs for passengers.
