NAIA Terminals: First-World Fees, Third-World Reality?

Recent screenshots from a viral video highlight the overcrowding crisis at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. On December 8, frustrated travelers were seen packed shoulder to shoulder, waiting to access the departure gate. This scene has reignited criticism of the airport’s ongoing issues, despite the high terminal fees.

NAIA Terminals: First-World Fees, Third-World Reality?

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | December 12, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A recent viral video depicting a chaotic scene at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 has reignited public outrage over the airport’s persistent overcrowding and inadequate facilities.

The video, captured on Dec. 8, showed throngs of frustrated passengers crammed together, waiting to enter the departure gate, highlighting a stark contrast between the hefty terminal fees travelers pay and the substandard experience they receive.

The incident underscores a long-standing perception of NAIA as a struggling airport, plagued by inefficiencies and a lack of passenger comfort.

While The New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), the airport’s newly appointed operator, has unveiled ambitious plans for upgrades and expansion, the immediate reality for travelers remains one of discomfort, delays, and a general sense of dissatisfaction.

The core of the problem lies in the significant disparity between the fees collected and the actual service provided.

Online forums and social media are rife with complaints, echoing the sentiment of one passenger who lamented, “billions in income from exorbitant terminal fees, but the service is the world’s worst!”

Capacity Crisis: A System Overwhelmed

NAIA Terminal 3, originally designed to accommodate approximately 13 million passengers annually, is now struggling to cope with volumes far exceeding its intended capacity.

The NNIC aims to increase this to 25 million passengers per year through a series of upgrades.

However, the entire NAIA complex has consistently surpassed its original 35-million yearly limit, reaching a staggering 50 million passengers in 2024.

This chronic overcrowding puts immense strain on existing infrastructure and personnel.

• Key Data Points Expose the Pressure

• Designed Annual Capacity (Terminal 3): ~13 million

• Planned Annual Capacity After Expansion (Terminal 3): 25 million

• Number of Gates (Terminal 3): 24

• Number of Check-in Counters (Terminal 3): 140

• NAIA Complex Original Designed Capacity: 35 million

• NAIA Complex Passenger Volume (2024): 50 million

With only 24 gates and 140 check-in counters, the terminal struggles to efficiently process the sheer volume of passengers passing through its doors.

This bottleneck leads to long queues, flight delays, and a stressful and frustrating travel experience for both domestic and international travelers.

Prioritizing Profit Over Passengers?

A central criticism leveled against NAIA is that it prioritizes business interests and revenue generation over passenger well-being and operational efficiency.

Observers say that the relentless pursuit of profit has resulted in inadequate investment in essential infrastructure, insufficient staffing levels, and a general neglect of the passenger experience.

This perceived imbalance has fueled public discontent and contributed to NAIA’s tarnished reputation.

Glimmers of Hope on the Horizon?

The NNIC’s recent takeover has sparked cautious optimism among frequent NAIA users.

President Marcos Jr.’s recent inspection of newly installed facilities at NAIA Terminal 3 has been interpreted as a sign of government commitment to addressing the airport’s deficiencies.

The NNIC’s proposed improvements include a comprehensive overhaul of the NAIA complex, expansion of airport services and facilities, and a significant increase in annual passenger capacity.

Furthermore, San Miguel Corporation has announced plans for the construction of a new terminal building capable of accommodating an additional 35 million passengers annually.

However, the ultimate success of these plans hinges on effective implementation and tangible impact on the passenger experience.

The pressure is now firmly on NNIC to deliver on its promises and transform NAIA from a symbol of inefficiency and neglect into a world-class airport that Filipinos can be proud of.

The viral video served as a powerful wake-up call, underscoring the urgent need for change and highlighting the fact that passengers deserve far more than a “Third World” experience while paying “First World” prices.

The future of NAIA, and the satisfaction of its millions of users, depends on it.