The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 can now serve up to 10 million passengers per year after management converted it into an exclusively domestic airport.
“With NAIA Terminal 2 now servicing all domestic flights of Philippine Airlines, AirAsia Philippines, and Royal Air Philippines, it can now accommodate up to 10 million passengers per annum from its design capacity of 7.5 million passengers per year,” said Bryan Co, acting general manager of Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA)
Co said the removal of immigration counters and other infrastructure mandated for international flight operations provided the needed space for unhampered passenger movement inside the terminal.
AirAsia and Royal Air passengers, who account for around 10,000 passengers per day on average, now have more space at Terminal 2.
This change also reduces congestion at Terminal 4 by 75 percent, providing adequate space for CebGo, AirSwift, and Sunlight Air passengers.
Terminal 2 began operations in 1999. It formerly houses both the international and domestic operations of the country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL).
MIAA came up with the Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalization, or STAR program, aimed at optimizing the capacity of the four NAIA terminals. This program entailed the reassignment of some international airlines from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 and the moving all PAL international flights to Terminal 1.
The airport management had completed the program.
Air Asia Philippines chief executive officer Ricky Isla said the transfer to Terminal 2, which he described as “centennial terminal”, is a winning move while maintaining NAIA Terminal 3 for all their international flights.
“Our transfer to NAIA 2 is a winning move for our guests. They can now enjoy a bigger space and expect better airport service. Now that we are on the growth stage, we look forward to expanding further our domestic routes and capacity through this new terminal building,” he said.
Meanwhile, MIAA officials said the recent decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to end the state of public health emergency in the country will boost existing efforts of the airport management and the tourism sector to promote the Philippines as a preferred destination.
The Department of Health in an advisory declared that all established COVID protocols for travelers are lifted. Further to this, the advisory also stated that the use of masks in public transport is considered lifted from a technical standpoint. With this development, individuals are now free to make their own choices regarding this measure.
The Civil Aeronautics Board issued a parallel advisory stating that all COVID-19-related orders are no longer in effect and that airline companies may discontinue implementation of the protocols.
Registration to the eTravel portal is made much easier as passengers need not upload any proof of vaccination and COVID-19 test results.
However, the Bureau of Quarantine will continue to monitor inbound passengers and subject to further screening those who will exhibit flu-like symptoms, including elevated temperatures as detected by their thermal scanners.
“MIAA continues to prioritize the health and safety of all travelers and airport personnel. While restrictions are being lifted, MIAA remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and will be ready to support DOH in fulfilling its mandate,” Co said.