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Ninoy Aquino International Airport ranked 15th in the 2023 Megahubs Index, solidifying its position as a globally connected airport
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The airport also secured the third spot in the list of top 25 low-cost carrier airport megahubs, a big improvement from its 29th position in 2019
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It stands at 6th place among Asia-Pacific megahubs
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) ranked 15th in the list of the top 50 global airport megahubs based on the 2023 Megahubs Index.
This development places the airport (with International Air Transport Association code MNL) as one of the world’s most internationally linked airports, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said in a statement.
Moreover, the airport clinched the third spot in the list of the top 25 low-cost carrier airport megahubs.
The rise in rankings represents a significant improvement for NAIA, ranked 29th in 2019. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines emerged as the dominant air carrier, commanding 32% share of total flights.
The 2023 Megahubs Index is generated by OAG, a leading provider of digital flight information, intelligence, and analytics for airports.
Among international megahubs in the Asia-Pacific region, NAIA stands in sixth place. The airport follows closely behind Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Haneda, Japan; Incheon, Republic of Korea; Bangkok, Thailand; and Singapore, with London Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom leading the global list.
In the report, OAG emphasized the significance of seven Asian airport hubs making it into the Global Top 20, considering the region is still working its way back from pandemic-induced interruptions in the aviation sector.
At present, NAIA boasts 40 international carriers serving a network of 58 international destinations. The most recent addition to its roster in 2023 is ZIPAIR, which initiated its first flight between Manila and Narita in July.
In addition, PAL has introduced nonstop flights to Perth, while Air China now offers a direct connection between Chengdu Tianfu and NAIA.
In the area of low-cost international connections, NAIA secured an impressive third place this year, sitting just behind Kuala Lumpur and Incheon.
Notably, NAIA is the home of Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier (LCC). The carrier is set to launch flights to Da Nang, a new destination from Manila, commencing December 7.
In the rankings, thirteen Asia-Pacific airports, including NAIA, dominate the scene, underscoring the substantial presence of LCCs in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Bryan Co, officer-in-charge of MIAA, expressed satisfaction with NAIA’s continued success, attributing it to the strong and consistent travel rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted more international airlines are interested in flying to NAIA, which reflects the airport’s good reputation.
HK Express, for one, will launch its inaugural flight between Manila and Hong Kong on October 13.
United Airlines is also gearing up to commence nonstop flights connecting Manila with San Francisco starting October 30.
