Will the New Hub for Ride-Hailing Apps Finally Decongest NAIA?

For people taking a ride-hailing app to and from Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you’ll need to go to a dedicated station within the airport complex. That’s because New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private enterprise now in charge of airport operations, has opened a centralized hub for transport network vehicle services (TNVS) to deliver a more seamless and convenient experience for passengers. 

This new facility, which officially opened on Sunday (December 8), following a soft launch earlier in the week, is located within the multi-level parking building at Terminal 3. Officials say it is expected to alleviate curbside congestion and streamline airport traffic.

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“With a centralized hub and diverse transportation options, we are bringing more order and efficiency to the airport,” said NNIC General Manager Lito Alvarez. “This is part of our commitment to making travel smoother and stress-free for every passenger.”

The TNVS hub is spread out across 6,000 square meters and features 401 parking slots, 18 loading bays, and dedicated lanes for TNVS vehicles, alongside multiple entry and exit points for improved traffic flow. 

It also houses dedicated booking lounges for app-based rides like Grab, JoyRide, and Angkas’ four-wheeled service, Angcars, ensuring accessibility for all travelers.

Passengers previously had to book their rides and wait for them at the arrival bays at the Terminal’s ground level. 

Grab Philippines was the first operator to fully transition to the hub, offering its services during the soft launch on December 5.  

“We commend the NNIC for their vision to create a better and more efficient airport experience for passengers,” said Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda. “As the nation’s leading ride-hailing platform, Grab is proud to be the first to transition to this centralized station, setting the standard for all TNVS operators. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with NNIC to ensure a smooth transition for our passengers and driver-partners and to enhance the overall airport experience for all travelers." 

JoyRide’s TNVS and Super Taxi services are set to follow suit starting December 10, while Angkas said it is also preparing to deploy its Angcars fleet soon. 

“Our partnership with NNIC ensures passengers have access to both app-based rides and our dedicated Super Taxi fleet, making reliable transport available for everyone,” said Noli Eala, Joyride SVP for Corporate Affairs. 

The three operators said they are committing dedicated airport pickup drivers to provide faster and more efficient services during the busy holiday season. 

“Our collaboration with NNIC ensures that Angcars provides a seamless, safe, and reliable option for passengers. This initiative is a win for travelers, drivers, and airport efficiency alike,” said Angkas CEO George Royeca.

Passengers without ride-hailing apps can make on-the-spot bookings at the operators’ lounges. Grab’s lounge, for instance, offers a streamlined process for immediate bookings, adding a layer of convenience for passengers.