If you haven't flown out of Manila recently, you're in for a few surprises at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. NAIA has undergone its most significant reorganization in years — with a new private operator, reshuffled airline terminals, biometric immigration gates, and even a brand-new terminal under construction.
Before you head to the airport for your next international trip, read this guide so you show up at the right terminal at the right time.
Who Runs NAIA Now?
Since 2024, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has been operated by New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) — a private consortium that took over operations from the government-run Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). NNIC is responsible for day-to-day airport operations, terminal improvements, and airline terminal assignments.
This transition to private management has brought visible changes: faster infrastructure upgrades, cleaner terminals, and a more systematic approach to decongestion — which brings us to the most important update for travelers.
The Big Terminal Shuffle of 2026
Effective March 29 and April 1, 2026, NNIC implemented major terminal reassignments for both domestic and international airlines. The goal: to balance passenger loads across terminals and reduce congestion, particularly at the aging Terminal 1.
What Changed on March 29, 2026
The following moved from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3:
- Air China
- China Eastern Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- Royal Brunei Airlines
- Shenzhen Airlines
At the same time, AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Berhad international flights moved from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 to balance the traffic load.
What Changed on April 1, 2026
- Japan Airlines (JAL) relocated all operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3.
Current Terminal Assignments at a Glance
| Terminal | Primary Use | Key Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | International | AirAsia Philippines & AirAsia (international), plus other carriers — verify with airline |
| Terminal 2 | Domestic (PAL focus) | Philippine Airlines domestic, AirAsia Philippines domestic |
| Terminal 3 | International & Domestic | Cebu Pacific (largest volume), Air China, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines, JAL, Royal Brunei, Shenzhen Airlines, and others |
| Terminal 4 (new) | Domestic (under construction) | AirAsia Philippines domestic (partial), Cebu Pacific domestic (partial) |
Always verify your terminal with your airline before heading to NAIA. Assignments can change and some airlines operate across multiple terminals depending on the flight. Check your airline's website or app the day before your flight.
The New Terminal 4
One of the most anticipated infrastructure developments at NAIA is the construction of a new Terminal 4, being built on the site of the former international cargo terminal — located between Terminals 1 and 2.
Terminal 4 is designed to handle domestic flights and is expected to absorb the domestic operations of AirAsia Philippines and a portion of Cebu Pacific's domestic flights. This is meant to free up space at Terminals 2 and 3 for larger international operations.
Once complete, expect a smoother domestic travel experience and less crowding in the existing terminals.
Biometric E-Gates at Terminals 1 and 3
One of the most welcome upgrades at NAIA in 2026 is the rollout of biometric automated immigration e-gates at Terminals 1 and 3. These gates use facial recognition and document scanning to process arriving passengers — dramatically reducing immigration queues.
For returning Filipino travelers and eligible foreign nationals, the e-gates can cut what used to be a long immigration line into a much faster process. Not all passengers are eligible for e-gates (check with the Bureau of Immigration), but the expansion of this system is a significant quality-of-life improvement for frequent flyers.
Practical Tips for Your NAIA Trip
1. Arrive Earlier Than You Think
Even with improvements, NAIA remains a busy airport. For international departures, aim to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight. For domestic flights, 2 hours is the standard recommendation.
2. Complete Your eTravel Registration
All Filipino citizens departing the Philippines and all foreign nationals arriving in the Philippines are required to complete the Philippine eTravel registration at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours of their scheduled flight. Make sure you have your QR code ready on your phone or printed before you leave home.
3. Check Your Terminal the Day Before
Given recent changes, do not assume your usual terminal is still correct. Check your airline's official website or app for the most current terminal information for your specific flight.
4. Use Official Taxis or NAIA Transport
Only use accredited taxi stands or pre-arranged airport transport services. Avoid touts offering rides inside the terminal. NNIC has improved airport transport access — use the official yellow taxi stands or ride-hailing pickup zones.
5. OFW Lounges
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) maintains OFW lounges at NAIA for departing Overseas Filipino Workers. These provide seating, assistance, and basic amenities. Check which terminal your OFW lounge is in before heading to the airport.
Flying Out Soon?
At Wandertrift Travel & Tours, all our tour packages include flight booking assistance — so you'll never have to worry about which terminal to go to, what to prepare, or how to get there. Our team stays updated on all NAIA changes so you don't have to.
Browse our current tour packages or reach out to our travel experts for a personalized quotation.
Source: New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) advisories, February–April 2026; Philippine News Agency; Manila Bulletin. Terminal assignments are accurate as of July 2026. Always verify with your airline before travel as assignments may change.