New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private consortium now overseeing operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has launched an initiative to remove 27 abandoned aircraft from the airport’s general aviation area. The move comes as part of a broader effort to improve safety, optimize space, and streamline airside operations under the airport’s new management.
The abandoned aircraft, some of which have been sitting idle for years, are taking up valuable space in an already congested airport environment. Their removal will free up critical areas that can be repurposed for operational needs, maintenance, or future development projects, according to NNIC officials.
“This is a necessary step to ensure that NAIA operates more efficiently and safely,” said an NNIC spokesperson. “Clearing these aircraft is not just about space — it’s about ensuring the airport meets global standards and is ready to evolve into a modern aviation hub.”
The initiative is one of the first visible actions taken by New NAIA Infra Corp., which took over operational responsibilities from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) earlier this year under a 15-year concession agreement with the Philippine government. The consortium, composed of several major Filipino conglomerates, is tasked with upgrading and modernizing NAIA through a ₱170-billion rehabilitation project.
NNIC’s mandate includes overhauling terminal facilities, modernizing airside and landside infrastructure, improving passenger experience, and addressing long-standing operational bottlenecks at the country’s busiest gateway.
NAIA, which served over 45 million passengers annually before the pandemic, has long faced criticism for overcrowding, outdated facilities, and operational inefficiencies. With the new management in place, passengers and stakeholders are hopeful that long-overdue improvements will soon materialize.
Clearing the general aviation area is expected to be completed in phases, and NNIC is coordinating closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and aircraft owners, where possible, to facilitate the process.
“This is just the beginning,” the spokesperson added. “We are committed to transforming NAIA into a world-class airport that every Filipino can be proud of.”
