MIAA sets new terminal assignments in NAIA starting April
MANILA, Philippines — The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Sunday announced the new terminal assignments at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) amid the second phase of its Schedule & Terminal Assignment Rationalization (STAR) program.
According to the MIAA in a statement, under the STAR program, international flights will be reassigned to Terminals 1 and 3, where there is a wider selection of food and retail stores for passengers.
This transfer would increase the capacity of Terminal 2, which the MIAA recently announced will be converted into an all-domestic terminal.
READ: MIAA transfers domestic flights to Naia Terminal 2
“With this move, we expect a significant increase in Terminal 2’s capacity from 7.5 [million] to 10 [million passengers a year, 20 to 25 percent more than its current rate,” said MIAA General Manager Cesar Chiong.
Under the new scheme, MIAA will be able to assist Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) in improving its manpower deployment in Terminals 1 and 3 by realigning their people to the said terminals.
Article continues after this advertisementStarting April 16, Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Asia, Scoot, China Southern Airlines, and Starlux Airlines will be transferred to Terminal 3.
Article continues after this advertisementMeanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL) will relocate its flights to and from Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Phnom Penh to Terminal 1 on the same day.
On June 1, Ethiopian Airlines and Jeju Air will move to Terminal 3, while all other international flights of Philippine Airlines will move to Terminal 1 on June 16.
Third phase of STAR
On the other hand, for the third phase of the STAR program, all domestic flights of Philippines AirAsia will be operated from NAIA Terminal 2 beginning July 1.
The MIAA also announced that while it works on further expanding the capacity of Terminal 2, domestic operations of Cebu Pacific will remain in Terminals 3 and 4 in the meantime.
Chiong also warned passengers that the program may cause some minor inconveniences, but vowed that the MIAA will strive for a “seamless transition.”
“The STAR program is a well-studied undertaking. We met with affected airlines and stakeholders to make sure they come up with their readiness plan as part of these changes. We advised them to get in touch with their affected passengers so they can inform them of the new terminal assignments,” said Chiong.
“While we are planning for a seamless transition, there could be some minor inconveniences during this period hence our appeal for understanding as this is part of our strategic program to improve the overall experience of our customers,” he added.
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