From zero to hero?
SKYTRAX annually releases a list of the top 10 airports in the world. In the latest survey of the top 10 airports in the world, four of the top five are located in Asia, namely: 1. Singapore’s Changi, 2. Seoul Incheon, 3. Tokyo Haneda, 4. Hong Kong Chek Lak Kok. The fifth top airport is the Doha Hamed airport. These Asian airports have consistently ranked in the top ten best airports in the world for the past few years. Take note that bigger is not necessarily better in making the list. The Tokyo Haneda airport, which ranks No. 3 (down from No. 2 in 2017) has a small international airport terminal compared to the other top airports in the world. But travelers who prefer the Haneda airport instead of Narita, will know why it deserves to be in the list (noteworthy are the ramen and sushi restaurants in the pre-departure area).
Skytrax also releases a list of airport and airline ratings. The list of the 2018 Most Improved Airports is interesting because the Manila airport is in it! Finally, some positive news regarding the NAIA. The most improved airports are 10. Manila (Philippines), 9. Houston International, 8. Moscow Sheremetyevo, 7. Montreal, 6. Nadi (Fiji), 5. Athens, 4. Taiwan Taoyuan, 3. Calgary (Canada), 2. Perth (Australia), 1. Rome Fiumicino. It’s a nice change considering all the flak that we’ve been getting. From what I’ve personally experienced, the bathroom renovations are a big plus and the selection of food outlets (while not extremely important to some), makes the waiting experience less of an ordeal.
In sifting through the data, we must also look closely at our Asian neighbor. The only other Asian airport in the list of the most improved airports is the Taiwan Taoyuan airport. But that airport is actually ranked 15th best in the world for 2018. The reason for the inclusion in the most improved airports is that the Taoyuan airport jumped seven spots, from 21st in 2017 to 15th in 2018.
What will be crucial is this week. With the 2018 list released last week, travelers passing Manila this week will expect to see improvements in the airport terminals. Be it in checking in, passing thru immigration, quality and quantity of available seating, establishments to choose from, courtesy of airport personnel, and the post airport experience of hopefully not being stifled when hailing a cab. The operative word is “improvement” and many will be watching if there has really been a considerable change that merits a ranking, albeit on 10th place.
On a more positive note, the fact that NAIA ranked in the top 10 most improved airports in the world is a good indicator on the direction the airport is taking. We have taken a beating from all the negative comments and incessant bashing on social media and it seems like we are heeding the call for some much-needed change. We are still far and away from being at par with the world’s best but it’s certainly a giant step that says that government is not deaf to the complaints that it has been long receiving from locals and foreign travelers alike.
As for me, it’s not the airports that I’m usually complaining about, but the flight delays. But that is an altogether different matter that deserves a lengthier discourse, and a thorough analysis of why flight delays are a daily occurrence in Manila. To the traveling public, I wish you safe travels this Holy Week!