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Ninoy Aquino International Airport handled 13.3% more cargo from January to November 2024 year-on-year
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The country’s main gateway processed 559,502.34 metric tons of air cargo, higher than the 493,909.24 mt recorded in the same period in 2023
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International shipments accounted for 65.8% of the total, up 17% to 368,081.06 mt
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Domestic cargo likewise grew 7% to 191,421.28 mt
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The 11-month volume is 2.7% higher than the entire volume of 544,774.32 mt handled in full year 2023
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) handled 13.3% more cargo in January to November 2024 year-on-year to 559,502.34 metric tons (mt) from 493,909.24 mt, according to latest data from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
Of the total, international shipments accounted for 65.8% or 368,081.06 mt, a 17% jump from 314,663.56 mt in January-November 2023.
Domestic cargoes likewise grew 7% to 191,421.28 mt from 179,245.68 mt.
The 11-month air cargo volume is already 2.7% higher than the 544,774.32 mt processed in full year 2023.
In terms of flights, NAIA private operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) earlier said the country’s main gateway recorded 293,488 flights—excluding general aviation—for full year 2024, a 4.83% increase from 2023 figures and 8.08% higher than the pre-COVID pandemic’s 2019.
NAIA in 2024 also handled 50.1 million passengers, up 5.08% from its previous high in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, and 10.43% higher than in 2023.
NNIC, the special purpose company created for the 15-year concession agreement to rehabilitate NAIA, took over last September.
READ: NAIA turned over to private operator
NNIC earlier said its focus for 2025 will be on further improving infrastructure and streamlining operations to keep up with rising passenger demand. The goal is to transform NAIA into a modern, efficient airport that can support the country’s goals for tourism and economic growth.
NNIC is also working with airline stakeholders to implement new terminal assignments in the first quarter of 2025 to reduce congestion in high-traffic terminals, particularly Terminal 3, and utilize it for its original purpose — international operations.
The 15-year contract involves the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of NAIA to address long standing capacity issues.
Once the NAIA transformation is complete, the airport’s capacity will increase from 35 million passengers to 62 million passengers and an uptick in air traffic movement from 40 movements per hour to 48.
The government is expected to rake in P900 billion of revenues for the duration of the concession agreement. This is inclusive of the concessionaire’s P30 billion upfront payment, fixed annuity payment of P2 billion annually, and 82.16% government share.
