NAIA Ready to Hike Passenger Arrival Cap From 5,000 to 10,000

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will be increasing its passenger arrival cap from 5,000 to 10,000 to anticipate the ingress of inbound travelers following the shifting of Metro Manila and 38 other areas to Alert Level 1.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said on March 3 that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is ready for the gradual increase of its passenger cap, as the DOTr's Aviation Sector has prepared for the capital's downgrading of alert level status.

"Two days ago, we hit 7,500 for inbound passengers at the NAIA. And we are expecting in the next couple of days it will be 10,000..." Tugade said.

According to the DOTr, airlines can now operate at 100% capacity. However, universal and compulsory COVID-19 safety protocols shall remain in effect in all airport facilities and within the aircraft.

NAIA Terminal 4 will also resume operations on March 28, Tugade said. Meanwhile, the new NAIA Taxiway Charlie will give way for more arrivals and departures with its increased slots, from its previous 34 to 40 aircraft to 44 to 46.

The country has seen an increase in foreigner and balikbayan arrivals following the reopening of its borders last February. According to the Bureau of Immigration on March 3, the number of international arriving travelers for February increased more than 40% to 211,899 from 150,740 in January.