Why it Matters that NAIA is Finally Opening the Main Arrival Curbside in Terminal 1

It was announced in early January that the main arrival curbside at the Ninoy Aquino Terminal 1is finally being opened to the public after decades of exclusive use by VIPs. 

According to the new NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the consortium led by billionaire Ramon S. Ang and San Miguel Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation, the new rule “marks a major step toward a more inclusive and efficient airport experience for travelers and their loved ones.”

Changes at NAIA Terminal 1

Based on the newly reconfigured pickup system at Terminal 1, the main arrival curbside can now be accessed by private vehicles, ride-hailing services, and metered taxis, which were all previously allowed only in the lower level pick-up area of the terminal. NNIC says the change aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion while offering arriving passengers more convenient pickup options. 

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The new curbside pickup policy now includes 14 designated loading bays (A1 to A14) that allow private vehicles to pick up passengers at these bays. Bays A8 and A9 are for the exclusive use of persons with disabilities (PWDs), while Bays A11 and A12 remain reserved for VIP pickups. Bays A13 and A14 are allocated for hotel transport services.

Other features include terminal transfer shuttle access, which is located just beyond Bay A14, shuttle buses facilitating transfers between terminals are integrated into the curbside layout. It also has expanded Pickup Zones: The outer curbside (B1 to B6) now serves as an additional pickup area featuring a meet and greet area and strategically positioned Grab ride-hailing booths for easy booking. Rent-a-Car services, coupon taxis, and yellow metered taxis are now stationed at the arrival extension on the ground level to ease main curbside congestion while maintaining robust public transport availability.

The new system is currently in its soft launch phase, allowing passengers, drivers, and transport providers to adjust to the updated configuration. The approach also provides an opportunity to make adjustments based on real-time feedback before full implementation. 

NNIC has deployed clear directional signage throughout Terminal 1 for the new pick-up system, with airport personnel assigned to assist passengers and drivers in navigating the new system. The company encourages travelers and visitors to follow updated routes and guidelines for a more seamless and efficient airport experience.

NAIA Terminal 1 currently serves a variety of international airlines. The terminal's primary user is Philippine Airlines, which operates all its international flights from this terminal. Other airlines operating at Terminal 1 include Korean Air, China Airlines, EVA Air, Malaysia Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Japan Airlines and Saudia among others.

Since September last year, NNIC took over the management and operation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as part of a public-private partnership aimed at modernizing the airport's facilities and services.