MANILA — The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), a consortium led by San Miguel Corporation and Incheon International Airport Corporation of South Korea, officially assumed management of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Saturday (14 Sept 2024).

Their mission is to modernize the 76-year-old airport and transform it into a world-class facility.

NNIC is set to invest PHP170 billion in a phased upgrade plan that aims to boost the airport’s passenger capacity from 43 million to 62 million annually while increasing air traffic movements from 42 to 48 per hour.

The partnership will also generate approximately P1 trillion in government revenues over a 25-year concession period, with the government receiving an 82.16% revenue share each year.

For travelers, airport operations will continue as usual, with no disruptions to flights, check-ins, or services. However, passengers can look forward to noticeable improvements in the months ahead.

Key upgrades include:

– *Within 3 to 6 months:* Functional escalators, stable power, and water supply, upgraded baggage handling, improved air conditioning, faster passenger processing, more seating, and enhanced WiFi.

– *Within 3 years:* Runway enhancements, expanded terminal capacity, improved commercial spaces, better traffic flow, and a direct link from NAIA Terminal 3 to the Skyway.

– *Long-term:* A new terminal building to handle an additional 35 million passengers annually, flood mitigation efforts, and a connection to the Metro Manila Subway.

NNIC President Ramon S. Ang acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in meeting their goals. “We ask for the public’s patience. While it will take time, we aim to make quick improvements within the first few months,” Ang stated.

With government support and the cooperation of airlines, passengers, and airport staff, Ang is optimistic that NAIA will soon become an airport that Filipinos can be proud of.

ia/mnm

MANILA — In a major bust, authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Complex in Pasay City nabbed the handler of a staggering P218 million shabu shipment on Wednesday evening.

According to Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Dionisio Bartolome Jr., 28-year-old Christine Tigranes was apprehended by members of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group during an operation at the People’s Air Cargo and Warehousing Co., Inc. (PAIRPAGS), NAIA Complex Pasay City around 8:30 p.m.

The suspect was found with four parcels concealed within a machinery muffler, containing approximately 32.13 kg of a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

Tigranes, along with the seized evidence, was swiftly taken to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) office for proper documentation and disposal.

Charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, await Tigranes.

(By el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has reassured the public that ongoing electrical upgrades at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 will not disrupt daily operations.

According to MIAA, meticulous planning has been undertaken to ensure uninterrupted services despite the maintenance work. Passenger processing and flight operations, particularly during peak hours, will remain unaffected.

Scheduled from April 2 to May 28 of this year, the upgrades are essential for improving infrastructure.

MIAA General Manager Eric Ines emphasized that electrical replacement activities are scheduled from 12:01 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., minimizing disruption during peak travel times.

“The MIAA remains committed to completing these necessary and vital upgrades, notwithstanding the inevitable power interruptions during the project,” stated an official release.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — With the signing on Monday (18 March 2024) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with the San Miguel-led consortium that bagged the deal to modernize the country’s main gateway to the tune of P170 billion, many are crossing their fingers that it will be finally goodbye to the rats and bed bugs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

SMC SAP & Co. Consortium — composed of San Miguel Holdings, RMM Asian Logistics, RLW Aviation Development, and Incheon International Airport Corporation — won the bid to rehabilitate the country’s premier airport.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista expressed hope that the NAIA public-private partnership project would open the floodgates of opportunities for the country, from investments to business, tourism, and employment.

The NAIA recently obtained a black eye when last February 27, a Facebook post alleging that the rattan chairs in NAIA Terminal 2 harbored bed bugs went viral.

But a few days later, a passenger in Terminal 3 uploaded a video of a big rat scurrying along the airport’s ceiling lights.

“Sana wala nang mga surot at daga pag na-modernize na ang NAIA,” some passengers chorused in a random interview with Maharlika NuMedia.

NAIA insiders said with the signing of the concession agreement, the operations and maintenance of the airport will be handed over to the consortium on or before September 2024.

(el Amigo/MNM)

MANILA — A British couple experienced the loss of their sling bag, containing vital belongings, during the X-ray scan process at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1’s departure area.

The incident unfolded on March 2, a Saturday, marking another episode following a previous controversy where security personnel were accused of mishandling dollar bills.

Daniel Lynch and his Filipino wife, Abigael, promptly reported the loss to the Airport Police Department (APD), prompting airport authorities to review CCTV footage.

The footage revealed Lynch placing his sling bag into the X-ray machine. However, upon inspection, the security officer from Lanting Security could not locate the bag, which held a cell phone, wallet, and IDs.

While disappointed, the couple remained thankful as they did not misplace their passports and managed to catch their flight to London.

Upon arrival at the airport, several individuals were observed in line, passing their belongings through the X-ray machine. Lanting Security was responsible for manning the X-ray security checkpoint at the departure entrance, where both passengers and non-passengers entered the premises to access the waiting area.

Conversely, OTS personnel supervised the Final Security Checkpoint, exclusive to passengers and authorized personnel.

As of now, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has yet to issue an official statement regarding this recent incident.

This occurrence follows a string of controversies involving OTS employees, leading to investigations and suspensions, notably due to thefts committed by security screening officers. One officer even ingested three $100 bills stolen from a Chinese traveler at the Manila airport last September.

In response, Speaker Martin Romualdez proposed a comprehensive reorganization, advocating for the replacement of all OTS staff with individuals demonstrating honesty, efficiency, and integrity through a rigorous vetting process.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

OFFICE for Transportation Security (OTS) Deputy Administrator Assec. Jose Briones Jr. said that the female security officer swallowed bills amounting to $300 and not a bar of chocolate.

Briones confirmed this when he was asked during the budget hearing of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Senate regarding the incident on Tuesday.

“Initially that was the cover-up or alibi, but subsequent footages caught by the CCTV… was she swallowed dollar bills,” he said.

Briones said the results of the investigation of the incident will be out in a month.

According to DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, 19 NAIA employees have already been fired from their positions beginning July 2022 because they were caught stealing. “

They were caught stealing, getting something from the baggage of our passengers,” Bautista said. (ai/mnm)