New NAIA opens centralized ride-hailing, taxi hub at Terminal 3

New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), on Sunday officially opened the centralized hub at the Terminal 3 for ride-hailing services and metered taxis of transport network vehicle service (TNVS) operators.

The hub is located at the multi-level parking building at Terminal 3, featuring 401 parking slots, 18 loading bays, and dedicated lanes for TNVS, with multiple entry and exit points in a bid to ensure seamless traffic management.

“With a centralized hub and diverse transportation options, we are bringing more order and efficiency to the airport. This is part of our commitment to making travel smoother and stress-free for every passenger,” NNIC general manager Lito Alvarez said in an emailed statement.

The central hub had a soft launch last Thursday, December 5, and became fully operational on Sunday, December 8, 2024, ahead of the anticipated influx during the Christmas travel season.

The development was welcomed by three major TNVS operators — Grab Philippines, JoyRide, and Angkas which have committed to deploying dedicated airport pickup drivers.

“We are committed to working hand-in-hand with NNIC to ensure a smooth transition for our passengers and driver-partners and to enhance the overall airport experience for all travelers,” Grab Philippines country head Ronald Roda said.

“Our partnership with NNIC ensures passengers have access to both app-based rides and our dedicated Super Taxi fleet, making reliable transport for everyone,” JoyRide senior vice president for corporate affairs Noli Eala said. JoyRide will bring its fleet to the hub starting Tuesday, December 10.

“Our collaboration with NNIC ensures that Angcars provides a seamless, safe, and reliable option for passengers. This initiative is a win for travelers, drivers, and airport efficiency alike,” Angkas chief executive officer George Royeca said.

NNIC said it recorded four-year high passenger and flight volumes during the Undas season, handling 932,405 passengers and 5,627 flights between October 29 and November 4, 2024. It recorded an 87.99% on-time performance (OTP) for arriving flights.

NNIC, made up of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp., took over NAIA on September 14, 2024.

It earlier urged passengers to head to the airport earlier to give time for security and check-in procedures, in line with preparations for the anticipated influx of passengers during the Undas long weekend.

Previously called SMC SAP & Co. Consortium, the NNIC in March inked a P170.6-billion concession agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to take over NAIA after it offered the highest share of its future revenues from operating the gateway to the government.

The group committed at least P122.3 billion in capital investments for the entire 25-year concession period, equivalent to P4.89 billion per year. It would need to make an upfront payment of P30 billion to the government, and another P2 billion in annual payments for the duration of the contract.—Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News