Over 2.2M passengers expected at NAIA terminals this holiday season

A surge of passengers is expected at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport during the holiday season, New NAIA Infra Corp. said on Saturday, December 21, 2024. (Photo by NAIA Infra Corp.)

MANILA, Philippines — Over 2.2 million passengers are expected to flock to the terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) during the holiday season, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said Saturday.

NNIC said in a statement that the 2.296 million passengers expected from December 20, 2024, to January 3, 2025, represent a 10.95 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The firm added that the number of passengers and flights is “projected to exceed those recorded during Undas and in the same period in 2023.”

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“Christmas is a time for connecting with family, friends, and loved ones, and while this is one of the busiest seasons for NAIA, we are working hard to make the experience as safe and comfortable as possible for all passengers,” said NNIC President Ramon Ang in the same statement.

Furthermore, the firm noted that it was gearing up for the surge of passengers at the airport terminals by implementing measures such as “increased staffing, optimized terminal operations, and enhanced security protocols.”

The NNIC also coordinated with the Manila International Airport Authority, Department of Transportation, Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, and Bureau of Quarantine.

Meanwhile, passengers are advised to follow baggage instructions and restrictions “for faster security screening.”

“NNIC encourages passengers to arrive at least 2.5 to 3 hours before domestic flights and 3.5 to 4 hours before international flights, and to check flight updates directly with their airline through official websites,” NNIC added.

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