A significant shift is coming to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, promising a redesigned flow for travelers beginning March 29th. The changes involve a strategic reassignment of airlines between terminals, a move intended to streamline operations and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Several international carriers will find a new home in Terminal 3. Air China, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines, Royal Brunei, and Shenzhen Airlines are among those relocating from Terminal 1, signaling a deliberate effort to optimize international flight handling.
Conversely, passengers flying with Philippines AirAsia will experience a change as well. Their international flights will be moved from the modern facilities of Terminal 3 back to Terminal 1, a shift designed to balance capacity and service levels.
Japan Airlines is also part of this terminal shuffle, scheduled to transition from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 on April 1st. Travelers are strongly encouraged to confirm their designated terminal before heading to the airport to avoid any confusion.
This isn’t a random rearrangement; it’s a carefully considered step in a larger plan. The goal is to create a more seamless airport experience, anticipating future growth and improving efficiency across all operations.
The changes are also linked to a directive aimed at reducing congestion. A 2025 resolution from the Department of Transportation’s Manila Slot Coordination Committee calls for relocating turboprop operations outside of Metro Manila, freeing up valuable space at NAIA.
Moving turboprop flights will directly address air traffic flow, allowing for smoother takeoffs and landings. This decongestion strategy is vital as NAIA handles a massive volume of passengers daily.
For domestic travelers using AirAsia Philippines, there’s no immediate change. All domestic flights will continue to operate from Terminal 2, providing consistency for those journeys.
These terminal reassignments were initially anticipated to coincide with the opening of Terminal 4, previously slated for July. The overall vision is to dedicate Terminals 1 and 3 to international flights, with Terminal 1 focusing on low-cost carriers and Terminal 3 on full-service airlines.
The future of NAIA envisions Terminals 2, 4, and a proposed Terminal 5 dedicated to domestic operations. This reflects the fact that the majority of passenger traffic at NAIA is comprised of domestic flights, requiring dedicated infrastructure.
