[Editor’s note: Originally published on July 6, 2024, and reshared as the fee hike starts on September 14]
Beginning September 14, travelers flying to and from the Philippines will face increased airport fees at Manila’s airport.
The increase in the Passenger Service Charge, known as the terminal fee, will be effective exactly one year after Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Infra Corp. (NNIC) assumed control, stated General Manager Eric Ines.
The international departure fee will rise to Php950 from Php550, marking an over 70% increase. The domestic flight fee will increase to Php390 from Php200 per passenger.
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Currently, passengers pay Php550 for international terminal fees and Php200 for domestic ones. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), including those in the UAE, are exempt from these charges.
“This was established under MIAA Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2024, and approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Cabinet. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) also reviewed the rates,” NNIC stated.
The private operator noted this is the first terminal fee hike in two decades.
The government promotes privatization as a means to enhance services without using public funds, but there are concerns over increased fees and reduced service quality as companies seek profitability.
Last year, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) considered raising terminal fees at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) to Php950, as noted by Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista in a GMA News report.
Bautista explained that the fee hikes are essential for modernizing the airport, as the last adjustment was 24 years ago.
The proposal followed a Php170.6-billion concession deal between the DOTr and Naia Infra Corp. The increase aims to help the corporation recoup its investments in the airport, Bautista explained.
Naia Infra Corp committed at least Php122.3 billion in capital investments over 25 years, according to GMA News.
