Passenger traffic is surging at Ninoy Aquino International Airport as the Holy Week travel rush kicks off, with volumes expected to exceed 1.35 million over the peak travel window.
In a statement, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) projected total passenger volume at 1,353,265 from March 28 to April 5, slightly higher than the 1,326,730 recorded during the same Semana Santa period in 2025.
While demand remains robust, NNIC noted that growth fell short of earlier projections due to flight suspensions and operational restrictions affecting several Middle East services.
To manage the seasonal influx, the airport operator has intensified operational readiness across terminals. These include the deployment of additional personnel at check-in, immigration, and security screening areas; enhanced coordination with airlines and ground handlers; extended passenger assistance hours; and real-time monitoring of terminal congestion.
The measures are being implemented in coordination with key government agencies, including the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and Office for Transportation Security (OTS), alongside other aviation stakeholders.
NNIC identified April 5 as the busiest day of the travel window, with an estimated 158,884 passengers, followed closely by March 28 with 157,804 travelers. Daily passenger volume is expected to remain above 143,000 throughout the period.
Among terminals, Terminal 3 is projected to handle the bulk of passenger traffic at 712,932, followed by Terminal 2 with 346,342, and Terminal 1 with 293,990.
Since assuming operations in September 2024, NNIC has implemented a series of upgrades aimed at improving passenger experience and operational efficiency. These include enhancements in terminal facilities, traffic and queue management systems, and improved coordination across airside and landside operations.
As the annual Holy Week travel surge unfolds, NNIC advises passengers to check flight advisories, allow extra travel time, and arrive early at the airport. International travelers are likewise reminded to complete their eTravel registration prior to departure to ensure smoother processing.