Here are the airlines' NAIA terminal assignments amid private company's takeover, rehab efforts
As a new operator took over the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), a boutique airline will be relocated to another terminal amid the rehabilitation of the country's main gateway.
Boutique airline AirSWIFT on Oct. 10 announced that it will be relocated to Terminal 2, from Terminal 4, in November.
"We would like to inform you that, effective November 5, 2024, all AirSWIFT Airlines flights will be relocated to NAIA Terminal 2," the airline said in a statement posted on Facebook.
It told passengers that they will receive their revised e-tickets, "which will reflect the terminal change, allowing you to prepare accordingly."
The airline said it "fully endorses the long-term vision of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC)," the airport's new operator, "and remains committed to collaborating with our partners to ensure the seamless execution of future plans."
AirSWIFT's announcement came days after the Gokongwei-led budget carrier Cebu Pacific said it inked a P1.75-billion share purchase agreement with the Ayala-led ALI Capital Corporation to acquire 100% of the airline's shares.
Cebu Pacific said there will be no changes in the flight schedules and service of AirSWIFT, which has flights from Manila and Clark to El Nido in Palawan, and from El Nido to Cebu, Boracay, Coron, and Bohol.
Once integrated, Cebu Pacific will add El Nido to its routes in light of the post-pandemic travel surge.
Budget carrier AirAsia Philippines, in a Facebook post on Oct. 5, said it will continue to operate domestic flights from Terminal 2 and international flights from Terminal 3.
"We're still here, fam! We share the vision of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation to enhance your airport experience, putting guest comfort and convenience first," it said. "As we collaborate with NNIC and other partners, we encourage all guests to follow the terminal assignments listed in their itineraries."
The NNIC website provides a list of airlines by terminal on its website.
NAIA rehabilitation
The NNIC, a conglomerate led by San Miguel Corporation, took over the airport’s operations on Sept. 14 after winning the bidding in February.
The NNIC's first order of business was to rehabilitate the airport, including the expansion of Terminals 2 and 3 and the repurposing of Terminal 4 into a warehouse and office.
It's also looking to build a three-story Airport Express Hotel adjacent to the north wing of Terminal 2 for those who have early morning departures and those who would miss their connecting flights.
There’s also a planned access road toward Terminal 2’s north wing once its expansion is complete.
It signed the concession agreement with the government the following month.
Their contract is 15 years and can be extended to 10 more years.
The NNIC is expected to spend over P200 billion for the concession, including the P122.3 billion capital outlay, the P30 billion upfront payment, and the P2 billion fixed annual payment.
It’s also set to share 82.16% of its gross revenue with the government.
At the start of October, the NNIC increased parking rates, saying such "adjustments are necessary to ensure continued maintenance and improvements to our facilities."