Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is ready to handle the anticipated 1.2 million passengers to pass through the country’s premier airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) over the 10-day period starting October 27.
Bryan Co, MIAA officer-in-charge, said in a statement over the weekend, daily passenger traffic during this period could exceed 130,000, surpassing last year’s average of 94,000 passengers daily and totaling 945,156 for the entire 2022 Undas season. In 2019, there was an average of 129,000 passengers daily, reaching a season total of 1.4 million.
Looking at the current volume of travelers in the first 10 days of October, the passenger count has reached an impressive 1.15 million with daily counts ranging from 110,000 to 121,000 passengers.
“The third quarter of this year has been NAIA’s best-performing period compared to the previous two quarters. This trend indicates that air travel is on the rise. Based on this scenario, it is crucial for us to proactively plan for a passenger influx comparable to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, we anticipate that more Filipinos will take advantage of this opportunity to visit their hometowns or even travel abroad for vacations,” Co explained.
Co assured the public MIAA, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), is fully prepared to handle the expected surge in travelers. Comprehensive preparations and contingencies have been put in place, ensuring the safety and convenience of all passengers.
“Beyond our standard preparations, contingencies are in place to address any potential issues that may arise across all areas of NAIA operations, including people, processes, and facilities. We have established a strong working relationship with our partner airport stakeholders, creating a support system where everyone understands their roles and the importance of providing a pleasant airport experience for travelers,” added Co.
With this, MIAA encouraged travelers to plan their trips thoroughly and arrive at the airport three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights.
For this year, passenger volume at NAIA is expected to reach 45 million in both domestic and international operations, which is 46 percent higher than in the same period last year according to MIAA. – Myla Iglesias