MIAC proposes $4B NAIA rehab to boost capacity to 70M passengers

A consortium of seven major Filipino conglomerates and a US-based infrastructure firm, the Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC), has proposed to rehabilitate and upgrade NAIA to transform it into a world-class regional airport hub capable of accommodating 70 million passengers annually.

MIAC's proposal includes a US$4 billion investment in technological and process upgrades, focusing on optimizing the cross-runway to increase air traffic movements from 41 to 55 per hour, similar to London Gatwick Airport.

The consortium aims to enhance passenger experience by implementing new processes and technologies such as self-check-in facilities, next-generation security lanes, and automated boarding gates, addressing current congestion and sub-par service levels.

MIAC's local members include Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Asia's Emerging Dragon Corporation, Alliance Global - Infracorp Development, Inc., Filinvest Development Corporation, and JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corporation.

Technical partner Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) has extensive experience operating major airports like London Gatwick, Sydney Airport, and Edinburgh Airport, serving a combined 100 million passengers annually.

Despite plans for new airports, NAIA will remain a vital part of Metro Manila's airport ecosystem, providing necessary redundancy against potential disasters and supporting projected air travel growth.

MIAC's public-private partnership proposal aims to develop a modern and sustainable NAIA, supporting the Philippines' goal of becoming a regional tourism and economic hub.