Passenger surge still seen despite conflict in Middle east 

There may still be a surge of travelers at the country’s main gateway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), over the Holy Week period, despite the expected upward pressure on airline tickets due to the war in the Middle East.

This is according to private operator New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC), which projects passenger volume at Naia to reach 1.35 million from March 28 to April 5, up slightly from 1.33 million recorded during the same period last year.

Despite the increase, NNIC said the growth is lower than earlier projections due to flight suspensions and operating restrictions affecting some Middle East routes.

“Passenger demand remains strong,” the operator said on Saturday, “although the increase is lower than earlier expected due to flight suspensions and operating restrictions affecting some Middle East services.”

Wages of war

Since it erupted on Feb. 28, the conflict in Iran has disrupted airspace across parts of the Middle East, while jet fuel—a major operating cost for airlines—has risen sharply amid supply concerns.

Philippine carriers Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have announced adjustments to select routes in response to the oil supply crunch, although both have said they have sufficient fuel reserves for now.

PAL earlier said its fuel supply is secured until June, while Cebu Pacific said it has enough reserves through the end of April.

As such, NNIC said it expects Naia to handle daily passenger volumes exceeding 143,000 during the nine-day travel window, with April 5 projected as the busiest day at 158,884 passengers, followed by March 28 with 157,804.

Expected traffic

Terminal 3 is expected to handle the largest share of traffic at 712,932 passengers, followed by Terminal 2 with 346,342 and Terminal 1 with 293,990.

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To manage the travel surge, NNIC said it has deployed additional personnel across check-in, immigration and security screening areas, while extending operating hours for passenger assistance desks.

NNIC said it is also coordinating with airlines, ground handlers and government agencies to ensure smoother passenger flow. Real-time monitoring of congestion across terminals has also been implemented.

Since taking over airport operations in September 2024, NNIC said it has rolled out improvements aimed at easing congestion and enhancing passenger experience, including upgrades to facilities, better traffic and queue management and improved coordination of airside and landside operations.

NNIC advised passengers to check flight advisories, allow extra travel time and arrive early at the airport as the holiday rush peaks.