Abandoned Luggage Sparks Bomb Scare, Highlights Excess Baggage Woes at NAIA

Airport police cordon off an area near a check-in counter where three bags were abandoned by a passenger.

Abandoned Luggage Sparks Bomb Scare, Highlights Excess Baggage Woes at NAIA

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

MANILA, Philippines – A tense afternoon unfolded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (NAIA) Terminal 2 on Monday (October 6, 2025) as unattended luggage triggered a bomb scare, briefly disrupting airport operations.

The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m., prompted a quick response from airport security and the Philippine National Police.

The check-in counter area was immediately cordoned off after an airline staff member noticed three unclaimed bags near the departure area.

The luggage had been left unattended for about an hour, prompting the staff to alert the Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP).

“We operate under the principle that any potential threat must be taken seriously,” said an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel.

The AVSEGROUP immediately contacted the PNP EOD/K9 Unit.

Bomb-sniffing dogs were deployed to assess the situation.

After showing no signs of explosives, the PNP EOD team thoroughly examined the bags.

The search revealed the contents of the luggage: clothing.

Authorities believed the bags were abandoned by a passenger attempting to avoid hefty excess baggage fees levied by airlines at NAIA.

The incident throws a spotlight on persistent complaints about the high cost of checking overweight luggage, often forcing travelers to make difficult choices.

“While this incident proved to be a false alarm, it also raises questions about the economic pressures passengers face when traveling with luggage,” an airport personnel noted.

Despite the initial disruption, flight schedules were unaffected, and normal operations at NAIA Terminal 2 quickly resumed.

Airport authorities are now reviewing security protocols to identify areas for improvement and prevent similar incidents from happening.

Passengers are also urged to remain vigilant, keep track of their belongings, and report any unattended items immediately.

The incident also serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges facing the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), a consortium that manages and operates the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

These challenges call for balancing security concerns with passenger affordability of fees and convenience at the airport.

The high cost of excess baggage continues to draw criticism from passengers, contributing to a situation that can disrupt airport operations.