A social media outcry has reignited frustration over alleged taxi scams at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after a passenger revealed being offered an outrageous ₱9,000 fare from Terminal 3 to Savoy Hotel Manila—a distance of barely a few kilometers.
“Airport to Savoy Hotel 9,000? Ano po bang services ino-offer nyo? HAHA sasakay ba tayo eroplano papuntang Savoy Hotel?” one user wrote on Threads, mocking the demand and stressing that just because passengers are in a hurry, drivers should not take advantage. The post has since gained hundreds of reactions and sparked heated discussions online.
The passenger clarified that they attempted to book Grab and InDrive but, while waiting for a ride to be accepted, they inquired with the airport taxis. “Hindi po kami sumakay and we just laughed po sa price and directly declined kasi sobra sobra na po ang price. They even said that’s the least we could give. Like TF?” they added.
Other travelers echoed the frustration, with one recalling being quoted ₱2,000 for a short trip while Grab would have cost around ₱500. Another pointed to possible collusion, saying, “I think may corruption inside NAIA… their partnership is very sus.”
Some also alleged that airport staff were involved. “Some airport staffs, airport police will insist you to take airport taxi just because they’re in on the scam,” wrote a former airline employee, warning that despite previous reports and even firings, the practice has not stopped.
The anger online reflects wider concerns already under government scrutiny. In June, authorities launched a crackdown that led to 11 taxi drivers apprehended for overcharging, using expired licenses, and illegal contracting. Earlier, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the revocation of a driver’s license and a taxi operator’s franchise after another viral video showed a passenger charged ₱1,260 for a ride between NAIA terminals.
The issue escalated further when five NAIA police personnel were dismissed for allegedly running an extortion scheme, demanding fixed fares of around ₱1,200 from unsuspecting passengers.
Despite these measures, passengers say the scams persist. As one frustrated traveler wrote: “Ugh. And they’re still not doing anything to address it. Grab na lang talaga if asa airport.”
