NAIA issues new ‘VIP’ protocols; major Terminal 4 renovation starts in November

The airport management continues to implement new measures at the country’s main aviation hub.

VIP LANE

In a recent announcement, New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) shared that they are changing the portocols concerning the use of VIP services in its terminals.

The new operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) said that the lane, which costed Php 800 to use, “not only created potential security vulnerabilities, but also led to operational inefficiencies…”

To help limit the use of the VIP lanes to people who need it the most, such as dignitaries, performers, and other high-profile individuals, the NNIC has raised the fee ten-fold to Php 8,000.

Although, the former operator and now-regulator Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) clarified that while it did not charge an astronomical fee, the passengers who opted to use the lane still underwent the usual procedures such as security, Immigration, and Customs checks.

“The MIAA stresses that its VIP service, particularly its Meet-and-Assist Service (MAAS) strictly adhered to Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) protocols, fully compliant with established airline and government regulations, and was designed to enhance passenger experience,” it wrote in a lengthy statement shared on its social media pages.

“Historically, the service was a privilege given by MIAA free of charge, primarily in the name of public service, to uphold reciprocity arrangements with counterpart agencies and foreign governments,” but shifted to a paid service in 2013 under MIAA Memorandum Circular No. 5.

The MIAA also detailed its safeguarding mechanisms to prevent misuse of the the VIP process, which included clients being made aware that “the CIQS policies procedures are strictly to be complied with and will not be circumvented even with their availment and payment for the MAAS.”

TERMINAL 4 RENOVATION

Now, over to the oldest passenger terminal building (PTB) at the airport, the Manila Domestic Terminal or commonly referred to as the NAIA Terminal 4.

The oldest among the four PTBs will undergo renovation works from Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the NNIC confirmed late last week.

“Our goal is to make Terminal 4 more comfortable and efficient for travelers,” as it asked for understanding from the public for the temporary disruptions that will be caused by the upcoming construction works.

As a result of the T4 renovation project, Cebgo (DG) and AirSwift will be shifting basis in the interim to Terminal 2.

Cebgo, AirSwift moving to NAIA Terminal 2 in November

Boutique airline AirSwift will be transplanting first on November 5, with Cebgo following suit on November 7.

Both carriers have since expressed support for the “long-term vision of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC),” the consortium that took over the operations and management of the aging aviation gateway from the government last September.

At present, this reassignment only affects the two carriers. The earlier revealed plan of NNIC to move most of the airliners has yet to be implemented.

NNIC also said that they are planning to re-open Terminal 4 by February 2025.

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