The new operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), has received approval to raise passenger service charges (PSC) starting next year. This move is expected to generate as much as P11.49 billion annually by 2025, as outlined in the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Revised Administrative Order 1, Series of 2024.
NNIC, led by San Miguel Corp. (SMC), will take over the airport’s operations and maintenance on September 14, 2024, under a 15-year concession, extendable by 10 years depending on performance.
The order specifies that the PSC for international flights will remain at P550 and P200 for domestic flights in the first year. NNIC will receive P348.21 for international and P165.18 for domestic departures. However, starting October 2025, PSC fees will rise by 72% to P950 for international and by 95% to P390 for domestic flights, with NNIC’s share increasing to P705.40 and P334.60, respectively.
Advocacy groups like AirportWatch.PH, however, have expressed concerns over the fee hikes. Danilo Lorenzo delos Santos, spokesperson for the group, pointed to SMC’s delays in other major infrastructure projects, such as the New Manila International Airport and Metro Rail Transit Line 7, questioning the justification for the fee increase. “The delays in SMC’s infrastructure targets undermine the justification for any increase in airport fees, especially when there is no clear assurance that the promised investments will be delivered on time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Infrawatch PH convenor Terry Ridon emphasized the need for NNIC to improve passenger amenities and land transport access to the airport, suggesting upgrades to NAIA’s cooling system and walkalators. He also recommended creating direct bus loops to MRT-3 and LRT-1 stations to ease travel for passengers.
In addition to PSC adjustments, the new operator is also set to introduce takeoff fees for both international and domestic flights, with rates starting between $794 to $1,794 for international carriers and P15,417 to P34,617 for domestic flights in the first year. These fees will increase every five years.
The private operator’s efforts to improve airport services and manage the anticipated fee hikes will be closely watched as air traffic continues to recover post-pandemic.