MIAA announces terminal reassignments of PAL, AirAsia at NAIA

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Saturday announced terminal reassignments of two major local airlines in a bid to decongest Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals.

In a statement, NAIA General Manager Cesar Chiong said the “major undertaking” will address passenger congestion in NAIA Terminals 2 and 4.

The move is also timely as NAIA expects a surge in passenger volume in the coming weeks, Chiong said.

Starting December 1, 2022, Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights to and from the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and Bali (Denpasar) will transfer to NAIA Terminal 1 from NAIA Terminal 2.

However, PAL flights to other international and domestic destinations will remain in NAIA Terminal 2.

In view of the transfer, about 7,000 passengers daily will be moving to Terminal 1 where the average passenger volume currently stands at 13,000 per day.

“NAIA Terminal 1 is currently operating at 30% capacity of its pre-pandemic level. An additional 7,000 passengers added to its daily passenger volume is manageable,” Chiong said.

The MIAA chief said the check-in procedures employed in Terminal 2 will be retained and implemented in NAIA Terminal 1.

US bound passengers are still advised to give ample time for Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-mandated secondary checks and other security inspections as a requirement for all US bound flights.

For PAL passengers arriving in NAIA Terminal 1 who have connecting flights in NAIA Terminal 2, the airline will provide shuttle services for them, while others with connecting international or domestic flights in NAIA Terminal 3 and NAIA Terminal 4 may take the complimentary MIAA shuttle service to bring them to the said Terminals.

Meanwhile, Air Asia flights to and from Cebu and Caticlan will also be transferred from NAIA Terminal 4 to NAIA Terminal 3 beginning December 16, 2022.

The transfer will shift 40% of Air Asia’s daily passenger volume from Terminal 4, thereby improving the situation at the Terminal’s pre-departure area where congestion is usually observed.

Chiong urged PAL and Air Asia to strictly abide by their slot schedules to avoid consequential delays if their first flight for the day fails to leave on time.

“This is really where the problem will arise so I urge you to always be mindful of your on-time-performance,” the MIAA chief told the two airlines.

He further called on the airlines to ensure maximum deployment of their ground personnel and guarantee the good working condition of their aircraft and ground equipment. — DVM, GMA Integrated News