The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has started the upgrade of the taxiway at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) which is targeted to be completed in 2025.
Last month, MIAA said it commenced engineering works for Taxiway November, aiming to replace the flexible pavement with rigid concrete.
This upgrade is designed to accommodate all types of aircraft, particularly wide-body planes from international carriers at NAIA Terminal 3.
The upgrade is divided into three to four phases, starting with a 400-meter section. The entire project is slated for completion in 16 months, with a target finish in 2025.
“Our goal is to concrete all taxiways because it is better suited for wide-body aircraft. This will significantly reduce the need for pavement repairs caused by the inevitable deterioration of asphalt,” said Antonio Mendoza, MIAA assistant general manager for engineering.
“This change benefits not only MIAA but also airlines and passengers, ensuring a continuous flow of flight operations and allowing us to accommodate more flights at Terminal 3,” Mendoza added.
Post-completion, MIAA said it will proceed with the expansion of Taxiway Juliet in front of NAIA Terminal 2. The proposed concrete extension, parallel to Runway 13/31, Taxiway November and Taxiway Delta, will extend to NAIA Terminal 4’s apron, alleviating traffic at Terminal 3.
Following this, a project to upgrade Taxiway Delta, NAIA Terminal 3’s main taxiway, will be initiated. Similar to Taxiway November, the flexible asphalt pavement will be replaced with rigid concrete.
This sequential approach allows aircraft to divert through Taxiway Juliet during the rehabilitation of Taxiway Delta, MIAA said.
MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co said the upgrades are part of a series, with further developments planned following a geotechnical investigation of NAIA’s runways, taxiways and aprons.
“The investigation will determine the aircraft classification number and pavement classification number, guiding our subsequent upgrades. This standardized international airport pavement rating system will also assist airlines in choosing suitable aircraft for NAIA,” Co said.
Meanwhile, bid submission for the NAIA modernization project is set for December 27, 2023.
Turnover of the airport’s operation to the winning bidder is eyed by the second half of next year, according to the Department of Transportation.
