Miaa: 279,953 flights logged at Naia in 2023

By: Adrian Parungao - 12 months ago

Miaa says 279,953 flights logged at Naia in 2023

FILE PHOTO: People queue at the check-in counters at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay, Metro Manila on December 22, 2023, ahead of Christmas celebrations. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) said that it recorded 279,953 flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in 2023.

The total consisted of 171,605 domestic flights and 108,348 international flights, it added.

“In terms of domestic flights, we’re recording 12% more than in 2019. This strong domestic rebound is not only a testament to the resilience of our local aviation industry but also reflects the support of travelers in revitalizing our domestic tourism sector,” Miaa General Manager Eric Jose Ines said in a statement Saturday.

Miaa also said that Naia had 45,385,987 passengers last year, a 47 percent increase from the number of passengers in 2022.

The count included 24,887,157 domestic travelers and 20,498,830 international travelers.

According to Miaa, the number of passengers in 2023 was 95 percent of the total 47,693,203 passengers logged in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.

“Domestic borders were the first to open up after the COVID-19 restrictions. This has substantially boosted domestic tourism, as it is easier for passengers to travel to domestic destinations compared to international ones. With global borders opening up, international travel is rebounding, and it’s only a matter of time before we reach pre-pandemic levels for international flights and passengers.” Ines said.

Miaa noted that most of the flights were logged in December 2023 at 25,779 and that majority of the passenger count was in July 2023 at 4,185,555.

Ines said they are working on delivering a better airport experience for the public.

“In light of the initiatives we are implementing, we can assure the public that we have their enhanced experience in mind. We’re pleased to say that we’re on target for delivering a better NAIA experience moving forward,” he added.