NAIA operator: Passenger count hit record high 50.1M in 2024

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) saw a double-digit increase in passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reaching a fresh record high, which its operator says signals the growing strength of Philippine air travel.

According to the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), NAIA handled 50.1 million passengers in 2024, reflecting a 10.43% increase from 2023 and 5.08% more than the previous high in 2019 prior to the global shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The country’s main gateway hosted 293,488 flights in the past year, excluding general aviation. This is 4.83% higher than the previous year and 8.08% more than in 2019.

NNIC also reported an average on-time performance (OTP) of 83.36% during the peak holiday travel from December 30, 2024, to January 1, 2025, with a high of 88.35% recorded on December 31.

“This growth is a clear sign that confidence in air travel has returned, and it motivates us to work even harder,” NNIC president Ramon Ang said in a statement.

“Our goal is to ensure that NAIA provides a better experience for everyone—passengers, airlines, and partners alike,” he added.

The airport operator—made up of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp.—took control of NAIA on September 14, 2024.

Previously called SMC SAP & Co. Consortium, the NNIC in March inked a P170.6-billion concession agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) 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.  —VBL, GMA Integrated News