The Vast Naia Airport: How Many Hectares Does It Cover?

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila International Airport (MIA), is the main international airport serving Metro Manila in the Philippines. Located between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, it is approximately 7 kilometres south of Manila and is the main gateway for travellers to the Philippines. NAIA covers a total area of 440 hectares and consists of four terminals and two runways. Terminal 3, Manila's largest airport terminal, spans 65 hectares and can handle up to 13 million international passengers annually.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) covers 440 hectares

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main international airport serving Metro Manila in the Philippines. It covers 440 hectares and includes four terminals. Terminal 1, the oldest terminal, primarily serves international flights and accommodates around six million passengers annually. Terminal 2, previously dedicated to the country's flag carrier, has become a domestic-only terminal, serving domestic flights for CebGo, Philippines AirAsia, and Royal Air. Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal, capable of handling 13 million passengers per year. It has a footbridge connecting to Newport City and is a hub for several international airlines. Terminal 4, also known as the Manila Domestic Passenger Terminal, is the oldest standing structure at NAIA and caters to local non-international airlines.

NAIA is the primary gateway to the Philippines, serving as the main hub for international and domestic flights. It is located between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, about 7 kilometres south of Manila proper. The airport is named after Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., who was assassinated at the airport in 1983.

NAIA is under the management of the Manila International Airport Authority and functions as both a public and military airport. It serves as a central hub for the Philippines' flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, alongside PAL Express. It is also the main operating base for AirSWIFT, Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia.

NAIA is located 7km south of Manila

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila International Airport (MIA), is located approximately 7km (4.3 miles) south of Manila, in the Philippines. The airport is situated between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, and is around 13km (8 miles) from the centre of Manila.

NAIA is the main international airport serving Metro Manila and is the primary gateway for travellers to the Philippines. It is the largest airport in the Philippines and serves as a hub for PAL Express and Philippine Airlines. It is also the main operating base for AirSWIFT, Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia.

NAIA has four terminals, which share runways, and covers a total area of about 440 hectares. Terminal 1 is the second oldest terminal and handles international flights. Terminal 2, also known as the Centennial Terminal, facilitates domestic and international flights. Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal, covering 182,500 square meters, and is located on Villamor Air Base. Terminal 4, also known as the Manila Domestic Passenger Terminal, is the oldest and smallest terminal, accommodating up to 3 million passengers annually.

NAIA is accessible by road, with the NAIA Expressway connecting the airport to Roxas Boulevard and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX). The journey from central Manila to the airport takes around 35 minutes, but travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions. Public transport options include buses, taxis, and 'jeepneys'. The closest light rail stop to the airport is Baclaran Station on line 1, which is a 15-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride from the airport.

NAIA has four terminals

Covering a total area of 440 hectares, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has four terminals that operate almost as independent airports. The terminals are not connected, so it is important for travellers to confirm which one they need to go to. NAIA's four terminals are:

Terminal 1

Also known as the Ninoy Aquino Terminal, Terminal 1 is the airport's second oldest and handles international flights. It was designed by Leandro Locsin, a National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture, and can accommodate up to 6 million passengers annually.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2, also known as the Centennial Terminal, is exclusively used by Philippine Airlines or PAL for domestic and international services. It consists of the North Wing, which handles international flights, and the South Wing, for domestic operations. Terminal 2 features an arrowhead design with a central six-story Rotunda, modern architecture, and gardens and landscape patios that create a calming ambiance.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal, covering 182,5000 square meters and extending 1.2 kilometres. It is intended to host international flights and separate arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the third level. The terminal has 20 boarding gates, 140 check-in counters, and parking for over 1,200 cars, plus 2,500 more in a multi-level parking area.

Terminal 4

Terminal 4, also known as the Manila Domestic Passenger Terminal or the Old Domestic Terminal, is the main domestic gateway to Manila Airport. It is the airport's oldest and smallest terminal, accommodating up to 3 million passengers annually. Terminal 4 is specifically assigned for turboprop aircraft and functions exclusively with ground-loaded gates.

NAIA is the Philippines' largest airport

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila International Airport (MIA), is the Philippines' largest airport. It is the main international gateway to the Philippines, serving as the primary hub for international and domestic flights in the country. Located strategically between Pasay and Parañaque, approximately 7 kilometres south of Manila, it is one of the two international airports serving the Metro Manila area.

NAIA covers a total area of 440 hectares, including four terminals. Terminal 3, Manila's largest airport terminal, spans 65 hectares next to the NAIA runway. The airport has two runways, with a total length of 5,995 metres.

NAIA is the main operating base for AirSWIFT, Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia. It is also a hub for Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, and AirSWIFT. Over 30 airlines serve Manila Airport, with more than 30 million passengers registered in 2022.

The airport boasts a rich history as one of Asia's oldest airports. It was originally called the Manila International Airport until it was renamed in honour of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., a former senator who was assassinated at the airport in 1983.

NAIA has been plagued by overcrowding, inefficiency, and outdated infrastructure, resulting in frequent flight delays and cancellations. However, recent upgrades and expansion projects have been implemented to address these issues.

NAIA is one of the worst airports in the world

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila International Airport (MIA), is the main international airport serving Metro Manila in the Philippines. It covers a total area of 440 hectares and includes four terminals.

NAIA has consistently been ranked as one of the worst airports in the world. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind its poor reputation and discuss recent efforts to improve the airport's facilities and services.

The Problems with NAIA

NAIA has gained a negative reputation due to various issues, including frequent flight delays, poor internet speed, safety concerns, and sanitation problems. The airport has been operating beyond its designed capacity, serving 45.3 million passengers in 2023, which is forty-seven percent more than the previous year. This has resulted in clogged air traffic and delayed flights, contributing to a frustrating experience for travellers.

The airport's low rating on UK-based review site Skytrax further highlights its shortcomings. With a score of 3/10 from over 360 reviews, Skytrax describes NAIA as a congested airport with excessive immigration and security queues. Travellers have also reported issues with unclean floors and lengthy waiting times.

Efforts for Improvement

Recognizing the need for improvement, the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), led by the San Miguel Corporation, took over the management of NAIA in September 2024. The consortium aims to increase the airport's capacity to 62 million passengers annually and improve air traffic movements. They have implemented various changes, such as opening a lounge for migrant workers, adding passenger boarding bridges, and centralizing ride-hailing and taxi services.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain, and travellers continue to experience power and system disruptions. The lack of a rail link to the capital city or suburbs has also been a significant concern, forcing commuters to rely on road transport and deal with Manila's notorious traffic congestion.

While NAIA has been regarded as one of the worst airports globally, there are ongoing efforts to address its issues. The privatization and management by NNIC bring hopes for significant improvements. However, travellers remain cautiously optimistic, expecting more substantial changes to elevate their experience and shed the airport's negative reputation.

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