AIR passenger volumes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) exceeded those of the equivalent period in the last pre-pandemic year, driven by growth in domestic travel, according to Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
The MIAA reported that air passenger volume totaled 37.38 million for the nine months, up 10.7% and 4.2% higher than the total recorded in the first nine months of 2019.
For the first nine months, MIAA reported 17.29 million international passengers, of which 8.90 million were departing passengers and 8.39 million arriving. Domestic travelers for the period amounted to 20.09 million, MIAA said.
For the first nine months, MIAA recorded 219,418 flights, with domestic flights accounting for 133,418.
The new operator of NAIA, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), has said that it is preparing for the expected surge in passengers through the main gateway during the holidays. The company expects to end the year at 50 million air passengers.
More than two months since the private operator took over the operations of NAIA on Sept. 14, NNIC has outlined its plans for the airport such as landside improvements including the expansion of roads and curbside enhancements; terminal upgrades, and reassignments. — Ashley Erika O. Jose