Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) experienced a significant surge in passenger traffic during the first half of 2024, with numbers soaring by 13% compared to the same period in 2023. This growth, reaching 25.11 million passengers, is attributed to a robust economy and a surge in post-pandemic “revenge travel.”
Eric Ines, General Manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), highlighted the positive impact of these factors. Despite fuel surcharges reaching Level 6 between March and June, adding considerable costs to both domestic and international flights, passengers continued to travel in large numbers.
Ines emphasized the crucial role played by airlines’ promotional offers during the first half of the year in maintaining these passenger volumes. NAIA recorded an average of 153,000 daily passengers in July, with 828 flights managed on August 8.
While celebrating the positive figures, Ines also called on airlines to uphold their responsibilities towards passengers and comply with the Passenger Bill of Rights. He pointed out recurring issues such as flight cancellations due to mechanical problems and unscheduled maintenance, as well as complaints about airlines failing to provide food during delays. Ines stressed the importance of on-time flights to prevent disruptions to other scheduled services.
