The New NAIA: How Record-Breaking Traffic, State-of-the-Art Technology, and New Routes Are Making Manila the Global Hub of Air Travel in 2026!

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is experiencing rapid growth, both in passenger traffic and technological enhancements, as it solidifies its position as the premier gateway to the Philippines. The airport’s ongoing developments in infrastructure and technology are creating a more efficient and modern travel experience, positioning NAIA as a world-class hub capable of managing increasing demand from both international and domestic travelers. This article provides an overview of NAIA’s impressive year-on-year growth, new airline routes, and cutting-edge technological upgrades that will further transform the airport in 2026.

Year	Passenger Traffic (millions)	Key Developments
2024	50.1	End of turboprop flights, shift to jet services for domestic routes
2025	52.02	Restored international flights, including Manila–Saipan
January 2026	4.96	NAIA’s biometric e-gates and facial recognition systems, upgraded terminal facilities

NAIA Passenger Traffic Growth: A Year-on-Year Comparison

Over the past two years, NAIA has seen a remarkable increase in passenger traffic, with each year surpassing the previous one. This growth is a reflection of both the resurgence in global travel post-pandemic and the increasing accessibility of the airport through new routes and services.

2024: Laying the Foundation for Recovery

In 2024, NAIA handled a record-breaking 50.1 million passengers, setting a high bar for the airport’s performance. This milestone came as a result of the rebound in global air travel, following the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The increase was driven by strong international demand, with travelers returning in large numbers, along with a boost in domestic tourism. The higher passenger volumes were also attributed to increased international connectivity, which opened up more routes from Manila to popular destinations worldwide. The airport’s expansion in services, improved operational capacity, and the gradual easing of travel restrictions helped maintain growth momentum.

2025: A New Record Set

In 2025, NAIA surpassed the previous year’s figures, reaching an all-time high of 52.02 million passengers. This 2.5% year-on-year growth indicated that the airport’s expansion strategies were proving successful. In this year, NAIA capitalized on the increasing global travel demand, especially from tourists and business travelers. The expansion of direct flights to international markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe contributed significantly to the increase in passenger numbers. The domestic market also grew, with local airlines adding more services to key tourist spots within the Philippines.

January 2026: A Record-Breaking Month

In January 2026, NAIA achieved its highest monthly passenger traffic to date, handling 4.96 million passengers, surpassing the previous record of 4.86 million in December 2025. The surge was driven by the holiday travel season, with almost 2.6 million passengers traveling between December 20 and January 4. The 4th of January 2026 marked the busiest single day in the airport’s history, with 180,089 passengers passing through the terminals. The international passenger volume was the primary contributor to the traffic increase, with 2.42 million international travelers, reflecting an 8.16% year-on-year increase. Similarly, domestic traffic saw a 3.16% year-on-year increase, with 2.54 million passengers using the airport during the same month.

The January 2026 numbers illustrate the steady recovery of the Philippine air travel industry, with international tourism leading the growth. It also highlights NAIA’s capacity to handle high traffic volumes while maintaining operational stability.

New Airline Routes and Network Expansions in 2026

Key Developments	Details
End of Turboprop Flights	Shift to jet services for domestic routes, including the Manila–Busuanga, Siargao, and more.
Restored International Flights	Including the Manila–Saipan direct route, improving international connectivity.
Biometric e-Gates & Facial Recognition Systems	Enhances passenger processing speed, reduces wait times, and improves security.
Upgraded Terminal Facilities	Enhancements to accommodate growing passenger numbers and improve overall comfort and efficiency.

In response to the increasing demand for air travel, NAIA has seen significant developments in its airline network. Several new routes have been launched, and some existing routes have been expanded to accommodate the growing passenger numbers. These developments are crucial for enhancing international connectivity and providing better access to key destinations for both tourists and business travelers.

End of Turboprop Flights at NAIA

One of the most notable changes for 2026 is the end of all turboprop flights at NAIA. Starting on 29 March 2026, Philippine Airlines (PAL) will discontinue all turboprop services to Busuanga (Coron), Siargao, Antique, and Catarman. These routes will instead be transferred to other airports such as Clark International Airport, Cebu, and Iloilo.

This strategic move will help streamline operations and maximize NAIA’s runway capacity by replacing smaller turboprop aircraft with larger jet services. PAL will also be increasing jet operations from NAIA to major domestic cities such as Cebu, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Roxas, and Tacloban, making air travel more efficient for domestic passengers. This shift also reflects an effort to improve operational efficiency and reduce congestion at NAIA.

Manila–Saipan Route Relaunch

In addition to the domestic changes, Philippine Airlines has confirmed the reinstatement of direct flights between Manila and Saipan starting on 29 March 2026. This route will strengthen NAIA’s connectivity to the Northern Mariana Islands, an important destination for both tourists and business travelers from the Philippines. The relaunch aims to meet the growing demand for travel between Manila and Saipan, further expanding NAIA’s presence in the Pacific region.

Manila–Da Nang (Vietnam)

The direct flights between Manila and Da Nang that were launched in mid-2025 continue to operate successfully in 2026. These flights are part of NAIA’s strategy to strengthen its Southeast Asian connectivity, catering to the increasing demand for travel between the Philippines and Vietnam. The route has been particularly popular among both tourists and business travelers.

Technological Upgrades for a Smarter Passenger Experience

To accommodate the rising passenger volumes and enhance the travel experience, NAIA is undergoing several technological upgrades aimed at improving security, efficiency, and passenger experience.

Biometric Immigration e‑Gates for Faster Processing

One of the key technological developments at NAIA is the installation of 78 biometric e‑gates across the airport. These e‑gates allow passengers to clear immigration in just 20 seconds, significantly improving passenger flow and reducing long waiting times. The first phase of the installation, with 24 gates, was completed by December 2025, with the remaining 54 gates expected to be operational by early 2026. This is part of a US$3 billion modernization program that aims to enhance the overall passenger experience and airport security.

Facial Recognition and Biometric Integration

In 2026, NAIA will expand its facial recognition and biometric systems across all terminals. These technologies will enable automated identity verification, providing a seamless, fast, and secure travel experience. The integration of these systems aligns with the national digital ID program, which aims to streamline the travel process while ensuring high security standards.

Passenger Processing System Enhancements

In addition to biometric systems, NAIA has introduced upgraded passenger processing systems designed to improve queue management and reduce bottlenecks. These upgrades are crucial in handling the growing number of passengers, especially during peak travel times. The new systems ensure smoother transitions through security, boarding, and immigration checkpoints.

Terminal Facility Upgrades

The technological improvements at NAIA are complemented by significant terminal upgrades. These upgrades include expanded food halls, lounges, and new amenities at Terminals 1 and 3, ensuring that passengers can enjoy a comfortable experience as they wait for flights. The enhancements not only improve passenger comfort but also support the overall efficiency of the airport’s operations.

These technological upgrades and new routes showcase NAIA’s transformation into a leading international airport capable of handling growing passenger volumes while enhancing the overall travel experience. Through these innovations and expansions, NAIA is not just keeping up with global standards but setting the stage for a more connected and efficient future.

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