NAIA’s Absence From Top 10 Airport Rankings Raises Questions on Fee Hikes

NAIA’s Absence From Top 10 Airport Rankings Raises Questions on Fee Hikes

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | September 10, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Despite ongoing efforts and rising passenger fees, Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) remains conspicuously absent from Skytrax’s newly released 2025 rankings of the World’s Most Enhanced Airports.

NAIA’s absence from the top rankings has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the improvements being made at the airport.

The Skytrax report, which highlights airports that have undergone significant transformations in passenger experience and operational efficiency, celebrated facilities from Berlin, Germany, to Mumbai, India, for their remarkable progress.

But NAIA’s exclusion underscores the challenges it continues to face in meeting international standards.

The “Most Enhanced Airports” list showcases facilities that have overcome significant hurdles to achieve substantial improvements.

This year’s top performers are:

1. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): A turnaround story, BER has addressed past issues with upgrades in passenger services, terminal efficiency, and digital infrastructure.
2. Almaty International Airport (ALA): Kazakhstan’s ALA boasts modernized terminals, advanced baggage handling, and improved lounge areas.
3. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Strategic infrastructure investments have minimized wait times and elevated passenger comfort at Thailand’s main gateway.
4. London Gatwick Airport (LGW): Technology-driven solutions have streamlined passenger flow and reduced processing time at LGW.
5. Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE): Taiwan’s primary international airport balances technology integration with high cleanliness standards.
6. Ulaanbaatar Airport (UBN): Mongolia’s UBN offers better climate control systems and enhanced ground services after modernization.
7. Mactan-Cebu Airport (CEB): The Philippines’ CEB has created a welcoming atmosphere with expanded terminal capacity and upgraded baggage handling.
8. Punta Cana Airport (PUJ): The Dominican Republic’s PUJ focuses on a seamless vacation experience with upgraded immigration and duty-free shopping.
9. Nadi Airport (NAN): Fiji’s NAN caters to international tourists with modernized check-in and enhanced retail stores.
10. Mumbai Airport (BOM): India’s BOM has tackled congestion with expanded terminal facilities and improved ground transportation.

While Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) secured a 7th spot on the prestigious list, NAIA’s omission is particularly noteworthy given recent increases in passenger service charges and terminal fees.

The disparity prompts questions about the allocation and impact of these funds on tangible improvements to infrastructure, passenger flow, and overall airport experience at the country’s main international gateway.

The Skytrax rankings serve as a benchmark for airport quality and a testament to the potential for transformation.

NAIA’s absence underscores the urgent need for a more effective and transparent approach to airport development, ensuring that passenger fees translate into meaningful enhancements that elevate the airport to a globally competitive standard.