NAIA-PPP Project Signed; New Passenger Terminal to Rise by 2027

Videos of bed bugs biting travelers and rats roaming around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have recently gone viral on social media, causing concern among Filipinos and frequent flyers about the cleanliness of the country’s busiest airport. But issues like these are most likely to disappear soon.

Named one of the worst airports in Asia according to a survey by businessfinancing.co.uk, NAIA is finally getting a new passenger terminal that might save its glory.

Following the signing of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement for the rehabilitation of NAIA last March 18, Department of Finance (DoF) Secretary Ralph G. Recto assured that “world-class service will be delivered to our people and international visitors” through the new terminal.

“Our people must receive full VIP airport treatment—no hassles, no long lines, and definitely no bed bugs and rats, just excellent service,” said Recto in a press release.

Slated to rise at the abandoned Philippine Village Hotel in 2027, the new terminal construction is under the San Miguel Corporation (SMC), which won the bidding with a proposal of a revenue share of 82.16%, significantly higher compared to its competitors.

According to SMC President and CEO Ramon Ang, they plan to ramp up the airport capacity and improve the facilities through this project. Among the benefits of this project is easing the travel time of passengers going to and from the airport to promote the country’s tourism.

Meanwhile, in an official Facebook post by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., he mentioned that the project will also create over 58,000 job opportunities.

Hoping to ease the woes of tourists and local travelers, the President is urging SMC to fulfill its vow to fix the country’s airport problem.