NAIA operator remits P78 billion to government, modernizes airport
San Miguel-led New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has remitted P78 billion to the government as of mid-August 2026, fulfilling its payment obligations under the concession deal for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The remittances, which cover payments under the NAIA public-private partnership (PPP) as of August 15, 2026, include a P30-billion upfront payment, a fixed P2-billion annual payment, and 82.16% of gross airport revenues under the revenue sharing arrangement.
Since taking over operations of the country's main gateway on September 14, 2024, NNIC has also spent P6.8 billion on rehabilitation and modernization efforts. This covers completed and ongoing repairs, replacement of aging equipment, passenger processing systems, and capacity improvements, all part of a broader multi-year modernization program.
NNIC president Ramon Ang emphasized the purpose of the concession: to generate substantial and continuing revenues for government while bringing in private sector resources to improve the airport. He noted significant progress in less than two years, with more work ahead as investments continue while keeping NAIA fully operational.
What improvements have been made at NAIA terminals?
Since its takeover, NNIC has expanded and reconfigured terminal curbsides, including an expansion at Terminal 2 that added eight vehicle lanes. At Terminal 1, Curbs C and D at the arrivals extension area have been opened, providing additional space for passenger pickups and easing vehicle congestion.
Work is now underway on a Ground Transportation Center at Terminal 3, part of a broader effort to consolidate transport services around the airport's busiest terminal. Parking at Terminals 1, 2, and 3 has been automated, and NNIC has deployed more than 2,500 new baggage trolleys, 11,820 passenger seats, and 20 new inter-terminal shuttle buses.
Airport Wi-Fi capacity has been upgraded, alongside rehabilitation of power and air conditioning systems, elevators, escalators, walkalators, restrooms, and other aging facilities. Baggage handling systems have also been upgraded.
How is NNIC addressing flood risks and passenger experience?
Beyond the terminals, NNIC has carried out flood mitigation work around NAIA, clearing nearby waterways and drainage systems to improve water flow and reduce flood risk. Way-finding across the airport is being progressively upgraded, with older directional signs replaced by more modern signage that is easier for passengers to follow.
Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) have also been upgraded and expanded across the terminals, giving passengers better access to real-time flight information.
New passenger boarding bridges have been ordered as part of the replacement and rehabilitation of aging airport equipment. Installation is being carried out in phases while the terminals remain in operation.
What new technologies are being deployed at NAIA?
At Terminal 2, a new North Wing Bus Gate is scheduled to open in mid-September, expanding the terminal's ability to handle flights at remote aircraft stands and improving the use of available gate capacity.
NNIC has deployed 517 biometric-enabled passenger processing units across the terminals for check-in, security, and boarding. Self check-in kiosks, automated pre-security gates, and self-boarding gates are already being used by a growing number of airlines.
The company also funded 78 new biometric Immigration e-gates at Terminals 1 and 3, operated by the Bureau of Immigration. These e-gates can process eligible travelers in about 20 seconds, helping increase processing capacity during peak periods.
Operational changes include the reassignment of airlines among terminals, reconfiguration of aircraft parking and airside movements, and new performance agreements with airlines and ground service providers aimed at setting clearer responsibilities and service standards across airport operations.
These developments reflect the ongoing transformation of NAIA under the PPP, a key project for the country's infrastructure and economic growth.