Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL, commonly known as Manila Airport or just NAIA) is the primary gateway to the Philippines, located 7 kilometers south of Manila's city center.
With over 45 million passengers handled annually, NAIA is the 5th busiest airport in Southeast Asia. It offers extensive links to practically all domestic islands and many worldwide destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and North America.
NAIA has a bad reputation for being inefficient, badly organized, and confusing to navigate - issues that it's been trying to alleviate for decades through continuous renovations and new developments.
Major Airlines- Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia
Manila Airport serves as a hub for Philippine Airlines, the national carrier, and its low-cost subsidiary airline, PAL Express.
it also operates as the main base for Cebu Pacific and Philippines AirAsia - two of the biggest low-cost airlines in Southeast Asia.
In total, over 40 airlines provide flights to and from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to destinations worldwide.
Check out all the airlines that fly to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Check-in Process
The general advice given is to arrive at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights. For Manila Airport it is advisable to arrive even earlier because queues for check-in and security often take hours to clear.
The departure area of the airport is only available to those with valid tickets for the day.
To minimize waiting time, it’s strongly advised to check in online, if this option is available, which depends on the airline, your destination, and its entry requirements.
Check-in counters are located in the departure areas of each terminal.
If you’ve already checked in, queue at the “Bag Drop” line, which is usually much shorter and faster. If you don’t have checked-in baggage, proceed directly to Immigration (for international flights) and the departure gates.
Terminals at Ninoy Aquino International Airport
NAIA has four terminals:
Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily handles international flights for various carriers. Philippine Airlines uses T1 for all its international flights. T1 is the most outdated terminal at NAIA with the fewest passenger comforts.
Terminal 2 (T2): Exclusively serves only domestic flights by Philippine Airlines and some low-cost airlines.
Terminal 3 (T3): The largest and most modern terminal, accommodating both international and domestic flights for most foreign-based airlines. Cebu Pacific flies from this terminal and all international routes of AirAsia depart from T3 too.
Terminal 4 (T4): Currently closed for renovations until at least early 2025. Used to operate low-cost airlines. Reportedly, Philippines AirAsia is moving back to T4 to resume domestic and international operations from there.
The four terminals are their separate buildings and are not connected. In a way, each terminal functions like a separate airport.
However, free shuttle buses are available to travel between terminals. Look for the “Transfers” sign in the arrival area of each terminal.
The shuttle buses run 24/7 every 30 minutes during the day and every 50 minutes during the night, at least officially. The buses and their frequency can be unpredictable, so if you’re in a rush, it may be better to get a taxi instead. On the other hand, airport buses pass through airport grounds without any congestion, whereas taxis use public roads which may be clogged during rush hours.
Plans have been drafted to connect T1 and T2 directly, but for now, they remain totally separate and your options are either to walk around 15 minutes, take the shuttle bus, or a taxi.
Do you have to pay travel tax?
In the overwhelming majority of cases, foreign travelers don’t have to pay a tourist tax before boarding a flight at NAIA.
All applicable airport fees and taxes are generally included in the ticket price.
You may have to pay travel tax if you are a Filipino citizen, a permanent resident, or have stayed in the Philippines longer than a year. Foreign tourists visiting the Philippines for less than one year are exempt from paying the travel tax.
Connecting flights at Manila Airport
Transiting at Ninoy Aquino International Airport is generally the same as in other airports, although having 2 flights at different terminals may be a hassle to orientate.
The specific rules depend on the type of transfer you have and the airline(s) you fly with.
If you have 2 flights booked separately, transit is fully your responsibility and you must clear Immigration and Customs, if applicable.
The following summarized information only applies if your 2 flights are booked under the same ticket, i.e. same PNR number.
International to International (almost always in the same terminal): Clear security just before Immigration. Then, go back to the Departures floor and find your new gate.
International to Domestic: Immigration clearance is done at the first point of entry into the Philippines. Claim your luggage and clear customs too, then re-check your luggage for your domestic flight at the Domestic Transfer Desk. Travel to the terminal of your domestic flight (almost always different from the terminal of arrival), clear the security check and finally go to your gate.
Domestic to International: Upon arrival at NAIA, go to the Transfer Holding Area and take the PAL transit Bus to the terminal of your International flight. Once there, clear customs and Immigration, and proceed to your gate. Your luggage will generally be checked in through your ultimate destination.
Domestic to Domestic (almost always in the same terminal): Make your way out of the terminal building, clear entrance security, and then proceed to your new gate. Your luggage will generally be checked in through your ultimate destination.
If you’re traveling to Australia, the United States, or Canada, you may have to undergo additional screening and security checks at the airport.
Dining Options
Every terminal at NAIA houses at least a couple of restaurants or fast food kiosks, both Filipino food and international options. Nonetheless, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have the most options.
Here are just a few options:
Ka Tunying's Café: Located in Terminal 3 and offers Filipino meals and sweet pastries.
Starbucks: Multiple locations across terminals and provides coffee, light snacks, and small desserts.
Jollibee: Found in Terminals 1 and 3, it’s the true Filipino fast-food experience.
Denny's: This awesome breakfast place is in Terminal 2 and serves both Filipino and American favorites.
Lounges
Manila Airport features several lounges in different terminals:
Mabuhay Lounge: Located in Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and accessible to Philippine Airlines business class passengers and certain frequent flyer members.
Marhaba Lounge: Has two locations in Terminal 1 and 3. These lounges are small and limited but decent enough for short layovers. Available via various lounge membership programs.
PAGSS Lounge: Found in Terminal 3, providing services for select international carriers' premium passengers. It’s one of the nicer and more spacious lounges in Manila Airport.
Transportation to and from the Airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport is not really all that far from either the center of Manila (aka Intramuros) or the modern areas (Makati and Fort Bonifacio).
However, Manila is one of the worst cities in the world in terms of traffic, mass transit, and commute efficiency. This means you should leave plenty of time before your flight and load up with patience as you leave NAIA towards the city.
What the best transport option is depends on your budget and convenience preferences. Here is what you can choose from:
- Buses: 3 types of buses travel to places within Manila.
- UBE Express: The UBE buses serve 8 routes to some of the most popular places in Manila, such as Mall of Asia, Robinson’s Place, and Makati City. These buses stop in front of all NAIA terminals and are equipped with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi access.
- City buses: Cheap public city buses stop in front of T1, 2, and 3 of NAIA. They have air-conditioning but are frequently cramped with daily commuters and not recommended if you have bulky luggage or want more comfort. Moreover, their timetables are unreliable, and figuring out their routes as a foreigner is a difficult task.
- The Airport Loop Minibus: This is a single service that runs from Terminal 3 to MRT-3 Taft Avenue and terminates at Giselle’s Bus Terminal.
Jeepneys: The ultimate way to travel like a local. These colorful jeepneys stop in front of all terminals but their routes are even more difficult to decipher than the city buses. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask the locals to help you with which jeepney to take. Payment is in cash (small money!) to the driver when you get off.
- Taxis: You will find taxis waiting in front of all terminals.
- Yellow taxis: Officially registered, you can take them from in front of Arrivals. A bit more expensive.
- White taxis: You can only take them in front of Departures, so go down one level when you arrive to see them. Usually cheaper for destinations within Metro Manila.
In all cases, always insist on using a meter and find a different taxi if the driver refuses. To avoid getting scammed, pay on arrival at your destination and after you’ve picked up your bags from the trunk.
Time travel to the city is highly unpredictable. It can take 20 minutes from T3 to Makati but it can also take more than 3 hours from T1 to Robinsons.
Grab: This is the Southeast Asian alternative to Uber. Order online and pay the predetermined fare. This fare does not include toll charges.
While Uber also operates in The Philippines, Grab is more convenient (and usually cheaper) from Manila Airport because they have booths at all four terminals and you don’t need the internet to book a ride.Private transfer: Book this option in advance to avoid disappointment. It’s a fixed rate and less hassle, albeit a bit more expensive than a taxi.
Rent a car: Most international car rental companies have a presence at NAIA. You can find their kiosks at T1 and T3.
Hotels
The only option to sleep overnight at the airport itself is The Wings Transit Lounge, which is located within Terminal 3. It offers capsule-style rooms and dorms with shower facilities and is adequate for short stays.
Another option is the Belmont Hotel Manila, situated within the Newport City complex, just 1 km from T3.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Terminal 1 instead, check out Oyster Plaza Hotel, some 4 km from the airport.
For more hotels near Ninoy Aquino International Airport, click here.
Manila, Philippines
