Manila's NAIA Ranked Fourth Worst Airport in Asia by Business Travelers

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the Philippines has been rated as the fourth worst airport in Asia and the Middle East for business class travelers. This ranking was based on a survey by BusinessFinancing.co.uk, which analyzed reviews from business travelers. NAIA scored 2.78 out of 10, falling behind other Southeast Asian airports. However, there is hope for improvement as San Miguel Corp. has taken over its operation and maintenance.

NAIA Ranked as Fourth Worst Airport in Asia for Business Travelers

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has recently been ranked as the fourth worst airport in Asia and the Middle East for business class travelers. This was revealed in a survey conducted by BusinessFinancing.co.uk, which assessed the opinions of business travelers. NAIA scored a low 2.78 out of a possible 10 points.

According to One News, the survey placed Vietnam's Noi Bai International Airport and Singapore's Changi Airport at the top, with scores of 6.8 and 6.63, respectively. These airports were praised for their excellent facilities and efficient services. Other notable airports on the list included Hong Kong International Airport in China and Hamad International Airport in Qatar, as well as Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport in Japan.

At the bottom of the list was Kuwait International Airport, the only one to score below two. Additionally, airports in the Middle East, such as Almaty International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia, were also rated poorly.

The ratings were based on reviews from Airline Quality, managed by aviation specialist Skytrax. BusinessFinancing.co.uk specifically focused on feedback from business class travelers to compile their rankings.

In 2023, NAIA was also ranked eighth worst in Asia for passenger queuing times by travel specialist Casago. However, there is potential for improvement.

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San Miguel Corporation Wins Bid to Modernize NAIA

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is set to modernize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after its consortium won the bid. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) found the SMC consortium's financial offer superior among the three contenders. 

The SMC group includes San Miguel Holdings Corp, RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and South Korea's Incheon International Airport Corp (IIAC).

SMC President Ramon S. Ang expressed the consortium's dedication to upgrading NAIA to a world-class level. As per the Philippine News Agency, they plan to offer top services and facilities for a better travel experience. The partnership with IIAC is crucial, focusing on creating a connected and efficient airport ecosystem.

IIAC operates South Korea's largest airport and is renowned for its high-quality service. The collaboration with IIAC aims to enhance connectivity and make travel more affordable for Filipinos. The modernization of NAIA is expected to boost the Philippines' position as a major hub for tourism and business in the region.

In addition to the consortium's commitment to improving NAIA, they are also working on the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project in Bulacan. This simultaneous development is anticipated to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.

The SMC consortium offered to share 82.16 percent of future gross revenues, excluding passenger service charges, with the government. They will also pay a PHP30 billion upfront fee and an annual PHP2 billion fee to the government. 

The other bidding groups, GMR Airports Consortium, and Manila International Airport Consortium, offered lower revenue shares to the government. The DOTr will further review the financial proposals for compliance with the bidding instructions.

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