queue to enter terminal buildings
← Older revision
Revision as of 01:44, 13 January 2015
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==Understand==
==Understand==
−
What is now Ninoy Aquino International Airport
was
once
(and
still is
) a military base. Built in the 1930s by the Americans as the military-only Nichols Field, civilian operations were moved here from Manila's former airport, Nielsen Field (which today is part of downtown [[Makati]]), in 1948.
+
What is now Ninoy Aquino International Airport
started
as
(and
remains
) a military base. Built in the 1930s by the Americans as the military-only Nichols Field, civilian operations were moved here from Manila's former airport, Nielsen Field (which today is part of downtown [[Makati]]), in 1948.
Originally called Manila International Airport, it was renamed in honor of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. in 1987, four years after he was assassinated on the airport's runway apron after returning from self-imposed exile in the United States.
Originally called Manila International Airport, it was renamed in honor of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. in 1987, four years after he was assassinated on the airport's runway apron after returning from self-imposed exile in the United States.
−
The airport's three main terminals became operational within a span of thirty years: Terminal 1 was opened in 1981, Terminal 2 in 1998, and Terminal 3 in 2008. Currently, NAIA is Southeast Asia's fifth-busiest airport, after the airports in Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. However, airport expansion has not caught up with passenger growth and the airport as a whole is set to reach capacity within the next 5-10 years: Terminals 1 and 2 are already operating beyond capacity, and intersecting runways make it difficult to increase capacity. As a result, the airport has developed an ominous reputation for poor infrastructure, long queues, delays, inefficient transit procedures and, more significantly, corruption.
In 2011, two people were injured when part of the ceiling at Terminal 1 collapsed.
+
The airport's three main terminals became operational within a span of thirty years: Terminal 1 was opened in 1981, Terminal 2 in 1998, and Terminal 3 in 2008. Currently, NAIA is Southeast Asia's fifth-busiest airport, after the airports in Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. However, airport expansion has not caught up with passenger growth and the airport as a whole is set to reach capacity within the next 5-10 years: Terminals 1 and 2 are already operating beyond capacity, and intersecting runways make it difficult to increase capacity. As a result, the airport has developed an ominous reputation for poor infrastructure, long queues, delays, inefficient transit procedures and, more significantly, corruption. In 2011, two people were injured when part of the ceiling at Terminal 1 collapsed.
[[File:NAIA-Termina-1.jpg|thumb|Terminal 1 - world's worst airport terminal?]]
[[File:NAIA-Termina-1.jpg|thumb|Terminal 1 - world's worst airport terminal?]]
−
A consequence of all this is that Terminal 1
has
the dubious distinction of being judged the world's worst airport terminal by the [http://www.sleepinginairports.net/asia/#.UeUuX6xt4dU "''Sleeping in Airports''" website] (although some say the brouhaha over the terminal was a result of Filipinos overhyping everything), and passenger opinion of NAIA as a whole is poor, both from Filipinos and foreigners alike. In August 2013, an on-line survey by a hotel booking company rated NAIA as the worst airport in Asia, below airports in [[Vientiane]], [[Yangon]] and [[Phnom Penh]] and a very long way behind the best, [[Singapore]].
+
A consequence of all this is that Terminal 1
had
the dubious distinction of being judged the world's worst airport terminal by the [http://www.sleepinginairports.net/asia/#.UeUuX6xt4dU "''Sleeping in Airports''" website] (although some say the brouhaha over the terminal was a result of Filipinos overhyping everything), and passenger opinion of NAIA as a whole is poor, both from Filipinos and foreigners alike. In August 2013, an on-line survey by a hotel booking company rated NAIA as the worst airport in Asia, below airports in [[Vientiane]], [[Yangon]] and [[Phnom Penh]] and a very long way behind the best, [[Singapore]].
Things, however, are set to improve with significant government investment in NAIA. Terminal 1 is currently undergoing a ₱1 billion makeover to modernize facilities and to strengthen the building's structural integrity, while Terminals 2 and 3 will be expanded to support more flights. A planned expressway, as well as a connection to the Manila LRT Line 1, is also expected to improve access to the airport.
Things, however, are set to improve with significant government investment in NAIA. Terminal 1 is currently undergoing a ₱1 billion makeover to modernize facilities and to strengthen the building's structural integrity, while Terminals 2 and 3 will be expanded to support more flights. A planned expressway, as well as a connection to the Manila LRT Line 1, is also expected to improve access to the airport.
+
+
Terminal 3 now offers a much improved experience and, if you fly with Cebu Pacific, a relatively seamless transition from International to Domestic flights and vice versa.
==Flights==
==Flights==
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NAIA is divided into four terminals, '''Terminals 1-4'''.
NAIA is divided into four terminals, '''Terminals 1-4'''.
−
Although all four terminals are numerically named, two of them also have non-numerical names.
Terminal 2 is commonly called the "Centennial Terminal", as it was opened for the Philippine Centennial in 1998, while Terminal 4 was formerly called the Domestic Terminal.
+
Although all four terminals are numerically named, two of them also have non-numerical names. Terminal 2 is commonly called the "Centennial Terminal", as it was opened for the Philippine Centennial in 1998, while Terminal 4 was formerly called the Domestic Terminal.
−
All
airlines that fly
to
NAIA use Terminal 1
except largely for local
airlines
, which
use the other three terminals.
More precisely, the airline allocation per terminal is as follows:
+
Many
airlines that fly
internationally into
NAIA use Terminal 1
.
Local
airlines use the other three terminals. More precisely, the airline allocation per terminal is as follows:
*'''Terminal 1''': Air China, Air Niugini, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Dragonair, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia Airways, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Saudia, Thai Airways International, Tigerair, United Airlines
*'''Terminal 1''': Air China, Air Niugini, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Dragonair, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia Airways, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Saudia, Thai Airways International, Tigerair, United Airlines
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[[File:PAL operations.jpg|thumb|Terminal 2]]
[[File:PAL operations.jpg|thumb|Terminal 2]]
*'''Terminal 2''': Philippine Airlines, PAL Express (international flights and flights to [[Bacolod]], [[Cebu (city)|Cebu]], [[Davao]], [[Iloilo (city)|Iloilo]], [[Laoag]] and [[Tagbilaran]])
*'''Terminal 2''': Philippine Airlines, PAL Express (international flights and flights to [[Bacolod]], [[Cebu (city)|Cebu]], [[Davao]], [[Iloilo (city)|Iloilo]], [[Laoag]] and [[Tagbilaran]])
+
*'''Terminal 3''': All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, KLM, PAL Express (all other flights), Singapore Airlines
*'''Terminal 3''': All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, KLM, PAL Express (all other flights), Singapore Airlines
+
*'''Terminal 4''': AirAsia Zest, Fil-Asian Airways, Philippines AirAsia, SkyJet, Sky Pasada, Tigerair Philippines
*'''Terminal 4''': AirAsia Zest, Fil-Asian Airways, Philippines AirAsia, SkyJet, Sky Pasada, Tigerair Philippines
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NAIA charges a passenger service charge (commonly called the "terminal fee") of ₱550 or its equivalent in
U.S.
dollars, which
is
paid prior to entering immigration.
Starting November
1,
2014, this fee
will
be
integrated into the cost of the ticket, although for passengers with tickets issued prior to this date, the fee may still be settled in person either with cash or a credit card
.
A
stub
is
attached to the boarding pass indicating payment of this fee.
For domestic flights,
this
fee
(
₱200
)
is already included in the price of the ticket.
+
NAIA charges a passenger service charge (commonly called the "terminal fee") of ₱550 or its equivalent in
US
dollars, which
must be
paid prior to entering immigration. Starting
1
November 2014, this fee
should
have been
integrated into the cost of the ticket, although for passengers with tickets issued prior to this date, the fee may still be settled in person either with cash or a credit card
and
a
stub attached to the boarding pass indicating payment of this fee. For domestic flights,
the
fee
of
₱200 is already included in the price of the ticket.
==Ground transportation==
==Ground transportation==
−
{{cautionbox|Due to the construction of the second phase of the NAIA Expressway, which will eventually connect the airport terminals to the Metro Manila Skyway system, expect heavy traffic along airport roads, particularly during rush hour and airport peak hours, when
traveling
by bus, jeepney or car. It is recommended to leave for the airport at least '''three hours''' prior to departure while the expressway is under construction, scheduled to last until 2015.}}
+
{{cautionbox|Due to the construction of the second phase of the NAIA Expressway, which will eventually connect the airport terminals to the Metro Manila Skyway system, expect heavy traffic along airport roads, particularly during rush hour and airport peak hours, when
travelling
by bus, jeepney or car. It is recommended to leave for the airport at least '''three hours''' prior to departure while the expressway is under construction, scheduled to last until 2015.}}
Getting to NAIA from various parts of Metro Manila looks bewildering, but in fact it's relatively straightforward. Because it's only eight kilometers southeast of Manila, it is well-integrated with Metro Manila's transportation system.
Getting to NAIA from various parts of Metro Manila looks bewildering, but in fact it's relatively straightforward. Because it's only eight kilometers southeast of Manila, it is well-integrated with Metro Manila's transportation system.
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==Cope==
==Cope==
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All departing passengers need to be aware that, especially at busy periods, there are long queues just to ''enter'' each terminal - so allow an extra hour or two just for this procedure. Only departing passengers with proof of a departing flight are allowed entry, so you will need to make your goodbyes outside the terminal building in the heat, dust and general kerfuffle.
===Worship===
===Worship===
−
NAIA has a number of worship facilities. All four terminals have Christian chapels, while Terminals 1 and 3 also have Muslim prayer rooms.
Washrooms are fitted with foot basins and Qiblah directions are mentioned in the prayer rooms. More notably, there are two Roman Catholic churches in the immediate vicinity of the airport which are open to the public:
+
NAIA has a number of worship facilities. All four terminals have Christian chapels, while Terminals 1 and 3 also have Muslim prayer rooms. Washrooms are fitted with foot basins and Qiblah directions are mentioned in the prayer rooms. More notably, there are two Roman Catholic churches in the immediate vicinity of the airport which are open to the public:
*{{see
*{{see
| name=Our Lady of the Airways Parish | alt= | url=http://125.60.203.88/miaa/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28:prayer-and-worship-rooms&catid=57:airport-facilities&Itemid=64 | email=
| name=Our Lady of the Airways Parish | alt= | url=http://125.60.203.88/miaa/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28:prayer-and-worship-rooms&catid=57:airport-facilities&Itemid=64 | email=
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| address=Chapel
Road
cor.
Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Parañaque | lat= | long= | directions=At NAIA Road, turn right before the intersection with Ninoy Aquino Avenue
+
| address=Chapel
Rd
cnr
Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Parañaque | lat= | long= | directions=At NAIA Road, turn right before the intersection with Ninoy Aquino Avenue
| phone=+63 2 851-4371 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+63 2 851-4371 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
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Across from Villamor Airbase and opposite Terminal 3 is '''[http://www.newportcity.com.ph/ Newport City]''', a mixed-use development built on land formerly belonging to the base. While a significant part of the development is residential, it is better known as the home of '''[http://www.rwmanila.com Resorts World Manila]''', the Philippines' first casino-resort. Aside from a casino, Resorts World Manila also has a mall, a cinema, a performing arts theater and a popular nightclub.
Across from Villamor Airbase and opposite Terminal 3 is '''[http://www.newportcity.com.ph/ Newport City]''', a mixed-use development built on land formerly belonging to the base. While a significant part of the development is residential, it is better known as the home of '''[http://www.rwmanila.com Resorts World Manila]''', the Philippines' first casino-resort. Aside from a casino, Resorts World Manila also has a mall, a cinema, a performing arts theater and a popular nightclub.
−
In addition to Villamor Airbase and Newport City, a number of other areas are also close to the airport.
These include '''Bay City''' in Pasay (home of the SM Mall of Asia) and '''[http://www.pagcor.ph/the-entertainment-city-project.php Entertainment City Manila]''' in Parañaque, built on land reclaimed from Manila Bay.
[[Makati]] is also a reasonable distance from the airport, as are [[Taguig]] and the southern half of [[Manila]], including [[Manila/Intramuros|Intramuros]].
+
In addition to Villamor Airbase and Newport City, a number of other areas are also close to the airport. These include '''Bay City''' in Pasay (home of the SM Mall of Asia) and '''[http://www.pagcor.ph/the-entertainment-city-project.php Entertainment City Manila]''' in Parañaque, built on land reclaimed from Manila Bay. [[Makati]] is also a reasonable distance from the airport, as are [[Taguig]] and the southern half of [[Manila]], including [[Manila/Intramuros|Intramuros]].
{{IsPartOf|Metro Manila}}
{{IsPartOf|Metro Manila}}