NAIA opens VIP-only arrival section in Terminal 1 to all passengers
Pickups are now made easier at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as the main arrival curbside at Terminal 1, which was previously reserved only for VIPs, has been made available to all passengers.
In an announcement by the airport's private operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the once-restricted area is now accessible to all as part of its efforts to improve traffic flow and passenger comfort in one of the airport’s busiest terminals.
The company emphasized that this is a "key feature" of the newly reconfigured pickup system at Terminal 1 as it will simplify pickups for private vehicles, ride-hailing services, and metered taxis while also easing congestion.
They noted, however, that the new system is still its soft launch phase as they are still fine-tuning and making adjustments to ensure a smooth transition before its full implementation.
According to the NNIC, the main arrival curbside has 14 designated loading bays—A1 to A14—where private vehicles can pick up passengers. Bays A8 and A9 are designated for persons with disabilities (PWDs), while Bays A11 and A12 will continue to be reserved for VIP pickups.
Lastly, Bays A13 and A14 will be for hotel pickups.
"With this setup, arriving passengers now have more options for convenient pickups, including the comfort of waiting at the main arrival curbside," the company said.
Passengers can also opt to ride the Terminal Transfer shuttle bus, which will also operate from this area with stops located just beyond Bay A14.
The outer curbside—B1 to B6—is further designated as an additional pickup place and will feature a dedicated "Meet and Greet Area." Here, travelers can avail the services of Grab ride-hailing booths positioned in the section.
Rent-A-Car services, coupon taxis, and yellow metered taxis will meanwhile be relocated to the arrival extension area on the ground level to further decongest the main terminal curbside.
If you're worried about getting lost there, the NNIC assured that there will be clear directional signage installed throughout the terminal, and that airport personnel will be available to guide passengers and drivers to the appropriate zones.
They are encouraging all travelers and visitors to follow the updated system for a "more efficient and hassle-free arrival experience."
The NNIC took over the airport’s operations on Sept. 14 after winning the bidding in February last year. Their contract is 15 years and can be extended to 10 more years.
