NAIA braces for record 1 million passengers during Holy Week rush

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is anticipating a significant surge in passenger traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) during the upcoming Holy Week, with over 1 million passengers expected to pass through the airport’s four terminals from March 24 to March 31.

MIAA General Manager Eric Ines revealed that the authority is preparing for this influx through its “OPLAN Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2024” initiative. The projected passenger volume represents a 15% increase compared to the 926,755 passengers who traveled through NAIA during the same period last year.

“Our domestic operations, in particular, have been consistently surpassing pre-pandemic flight movement and passenger volume,” Ines stated.

“We anticipate travelers taking advantage of exploring local destinations, the ease and convenience of air travel, summer airline promotions, or simply vacationing and being with family during this time.”

To accommodate the anticipated surge, MIAA has taken several measures to ensure smooth operations and passenger convenience. These include:

• Adequate staffing and equipment at key facilities, including immigration counters and security checkpoints.
• Scheduled maintenance and testing of backup power generators and air conditioning units to ensure uninterrupted service.
• Coordination with utilities providers for reliable water and power supply.
• Provisions such as “malasakit kits” and assistance desks to assist passengers in case of flight disruptions.
• Adjusted runway closure schedules to minimize impact on flight operations, shortening the daily scheduled closure from five to three hours.
• Collaboration with government agencies, airlines, and local authorities to manage traffic flow and passenger queues.

Ines emphasized the importance of coordination with various stakeholders, including the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), and airlines, to ensure efficient operations.

MIAA also advises passengers to arrive early – at least 3 hours before international departures and 2 hours before domestic departures – to avoid missing their flights. Passengers are encouraged to check-in online or use kiosks if they only have hand-carry luggage.

For international travelers, completing the eTravel registration online before arrival can expedite processing at the Bureau of Quarantine and immigration counters.