MIAA Directs Large Aircraft to Clark, Easing NAIA Congestion Amid Middle East Airspace Crisis

MIAA Directs Large Aircraft to Clark, Easing NAIA Congestion Amid Middle East Airspace Crisis

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | March 23, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is implementing a strategic diversion plan for large aircraft, directing them to Clark International Airport and other major domestic hubs.

This decisive action, confirmed by MIAA General Manager Eric Ines, is a direct response to severe congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), exacerbated by escalating tensions in the Middle East and subsequent airspace closures.

The impetus for this policy shift arose following the onset of the Middle East conflict on February 28, 2026. Prior to this, the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) had permitted large aircraft to occupy NAIA’s remote parking, a practice now contributing to the critical space shortage affecting both international Middle Eastern and local flights.

MIAA Chief Ines highlighted the critical scarcity of parking space at NAIA. He noted that airspace closures in conflict zones have led to an “unprecedented increase” in aircraft remaining grounded at NAIA, significantly intensifying overcrowding.

Since the specified date, over 300 flights to the Middle East have been canceled due to restricted airspace.

This volatile situation has severely disrupted regular airline operations for carriers serving the region.

Ines confirmed a total of 372 affected flights at NAIA, including those operated by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

While not a complete shutdown, original flight schedules are no longer viable. Departures for carriers such as Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Kuwait Airways are now contingent on the “sporadic availability of safe airspace.” Ines cited a recent Qatar Airways flight to Doha as an example of a successful, yet irregular, departure.

Despite the significant number of cancellations and operational challenges, MIAA reports that NAIA’s passenger flow remains within normal daily volumes, ranging from 152,000 to 158,000.

The proposed large aircraft diversions are a crucial measure by MIAA to manage this complex situation and uphold operational efficiency at the Philippines’ primary international gateway.