Despite Parking Rate Reduction, New NAIA Overnight Fee Still High – Travelers

Despite Parking Rate Reduction, New NAIA Overnight Fee Still High – Travelers

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | August 7, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Travelers are welcoming a recent 50-percent reduction in overnight parking fees at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), but they still question its affordability.

The New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) announced over the weekend that passengers, upon presentation of their trip ticket and boarding pass, will now pay P600, down from the previous P1,200.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) acknowledged the reduction as a positive step but explained that it has limited control over parking costs.

“While I cannot definitively assess whether the 50-percent cut is appropriate, it undeniably benefits passengers and provides them with some relief,” said MIAA General Manager Eric Ines in a statement to the Philippine News Agency.

MIAA’s limited regulatory power over parking fees beyond the initial two hours raises concerns.

Ines clarified that the MIAA’s authority only extends to the first two hours of parking, currently priced at P50.

“We are unable to influence the rates beyond the initial two hours. Whether NNIC opts for complimentary parking or decides to impose higher charges is beyond our jurisdiction,” he explained.

The limitation is enshrined in Administrative Order No. 1, revised for 2024, which differentiates between regulated and non-regulated charges within the concession agreement.

While MIAA can influence regulated fees like take-off and landing charges, non-regulated fees, including parking beyond the initial two hours, fall outside its direct control.

“Any changes (to regulated fees) must be deliberated at the national level, involving the National Economic and Development Authority (now the Department of Economy, Planning and Development) and the Public-Private Partnership Center,” Ines declared.

The case highlights the complex bureaucratic process required to alter the concession agreement with the NNIC.

Seasoned travelers who requested anonymity complained that the cost remains significantly high.

“Any decrease in costs is beneficial, particularly in light of the Filipino tradition of ‘hatiran and sunduan,’ or the practice of bringing and fetching individuals from the airport,” travelers said.

“But while this is an improvement, it remains prohibitive, equating to a day’s wage.”

The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing airport infrastructure development with affordability for the average Filipino traveler.

Travelers are calling for a review and renegotiation of the existing concession agreement between the MIAA and the NNIC to ensure fair and accessible airport services for all.