Airport review

Manila

The Philippines’ biggest international airport started life as a US Air Force base, and in 1987 had a name change to become Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), in remembrance of the Filipino senator assassinated here in 1983. The airport saw 45 million passengers pass through its doors in 2018.

WHERE

It’s located on the southern fringe of Manila, in Pasay City.

AIRPORT CODE

MNL

WEBSITE

miaa.gov.ph

TERMINALS

There are four terminals and Air Niugini uses Terminal 1 ( T1), which is dominated by premium airlines. Terminal 2 ( T2) is exclusively for the country’s legacy carrier, Philippine Airlines, while Terminal 3 ( T3) is the newest and largest terminal. There are reports that Air Niugini will eventually move to T3. Terminal 4 ( T4) is for domestic flights. A free, sporadic airport shuttle bus and taxis connect all four terminals.

LOUNGE ACCESS

Air Niugini uses the PAGSS Lounge in T1, which includes food, beverages and Wi-Fi.

DISTANCE TO CBD

Seven kilometres to Makati CBD.

TAXIS & HIRE CARS

There are two types of taxi ranks at each terminal. Coupon taxies charge a fixed amount based on the destination, while airport taxis are metered. A taxi into Makati CBD or Taguig City CBD costs around PGK25–35 outside Manila’s notorious peak hours, which are from 7–10am and 4–7pm.

WI-FI

There is free Wi-Fi throughout, but a Filipino phone number is required after the first 30 minutes. A better bet is the Wi-Fi offered in many restaurants.

WHAT ELSE

From T3, the neon-lit Runway Manila connects to Resorts World Manila’s entertainment complex, with shopping malls, restaurants and a casino. From T1 and T2,

OTHER TRANSPORT

The main local ridesharing app is Grab, which has stands at the terminals and staff to help book a car if you don’t want to download the app. Otherwise, an airport bus service has four routes from across the city to the airport (ubeexpress.com). take the free airport shuttle to the Resorts World complex.

FAVOURITE CORNER

While away your transit time at the massage centres in T1 and T2, open from 6am until 11pm and 7pm respectively. T3’s day spa is open 24 hours, and offers a full range of spa treatments, including massages and manicures.

SHOPS

Each terminal stocks all the standard duty-free as well as Filipino handicrafts and souvenirs and a clutch of international luxury brands. Terminal 1’s limited shops close in the early evening, compared with T3’s shops and food court, which remain open until midnight or, in some cases, are open 24 hours.

CLOSEST HOTELS

You can admire the take-offs from T3 from the hotels of Newport City, an entire new city still under construction right beside the hotel. It features a strip of fivestar hotels: the two newest – the Hilton Manila and Sheraton Manila – are a 15-minute walk from T3 via the Runway Manila walkway, or grab a Grab car from the other terminals.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The Philippines’ two great culinary offerings, chicken adobe and the dessert-drink halo-halo are both available in the terminals’ Filipino restaurants, alongside the usual international fast-food chains and cafes. Air Niugini flies from Port Moresby to Manila five times a week. See airniugini.com.pg.