NAIA's New Operator Justifies Increase in Passenger Service Charges, Citing Government Mandate
Following criticisms from labor and passenger groups, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the new operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), clarified that its planned fee hike is a requirement of its contract with the government, not a choice by the private company.
The coalition, Pagkakaisa ng mga Users, Stakeholders at Obrero ng NAIA (PUSO), recently asked the Supreme Court to suspend the increase, arguing it would unfairly burden travelers. The group claims the government's P900 billion revenue forecast for the 25-year deal is "a dream built on the backs of ordinary Filipino travelers."
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In response, NNIC said the fee adjustment is a component of Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2024. This order, which was approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Cabinet, dictates the fee schedule that any concessionaire would have to implement.
The new fees, the first in more than two decades, are set to take effect in September 2025. The international passenger service charge will increase to P950 (from P550), while the domestic fee will rise to P390 (from P200). NNIC stressed that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will remain exempt from the international terminal fee under existing laws.
The company also defended the broader privatization of the country’s busiest airport, which handles over 50 million passengers annually. NNIC stated that the goal of the competitive bidding process was to modernize NAIA without using taxpayer funds. It added that even with the adjustment, the airport’s fees will remain "among the most affordable in Asia" and still be lower than if they had kept pace with inflation since 2000.
Since taking control of NAIA's operations in September 2024, NNIC said it has already delivered on a series of improvements. These include renovated restrooms, new air-conditioning systems, and restored elevators and escalators. The operator also highlighted better WiFi and CCTV coverage, expanded curbside lanes, and the upcoming launch of biometric processing systems. NNIC noted that additional terminals are being prepared to boost the airport’s capacity.
"The PSC adjustment is a government-mandated, inflation-delayed update, necessary to sustain these improvements and deliver the larger modernization that passengers deserve. Naia is the country’s busiest and most complex airport, and we remain committed to ensuring it continues to operate safely, efficiently, and affordably for the Filipino public," NNIC said.
