Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the primary airport serving Metro Manila, the capital region of the Philippines. Located between the cities of Pasay and Paranaque, approximately 7 kilometers south of the Makati central business district, the airport opened in 1948 and was renamed in 1987 after the assassinated Philippine senator Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr. MNL handles over 47 million passengers per year across four terminals. Terminal 1 serves international airlines, Terminal 2 is dedicated to Philippine Airlines, Terminal 3 handles Cebu Pacific and other carriers, and Terminal 4 serves domestic turboprop and charter flights. The terminals are not physically connected and require shuttle bus transfers between them, which is a well-known inconvenience for connecting passengers. The airport is a hub for Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, the country's two largest carriers, with extensive service across Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Ground transportation is primarily by road, with taxi and ride-hailing services being the most common options, as the airport lacks a direct rail connection. Traffic congestion in the surrounding area frequently affects travel times. The Philippines is constructing a replacement facility, the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan province north of Metro Manila, to address the capacity constraints and operational challenges at NAIA. The new airport is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Philippine history.

Aviation Terms

Airfield Lighting (AGL) Airport Category Airport Elevation (ELEV) Airport Fire Station (ARFF) Airport Lounge Airport Reference Point (ARP) Apron Automated Passport Control (APC)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Manila Airport to the city center?

Taxis are the most common transport from NAIA, with metered fares to Makati or Manila CBD costing PHP 200-400 depending on traffic. Grab (ride-hailing) is widely used and generally safer for set pricing. There is no direct rail connection to the airport, though the LRT and MRT stations are accessible via bus or jeepney from nearby areas.

How many terminals does Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport have?

NAIA has four terminals that are not connected to each other. Terminal 1 handles most international carriers, Terminal 2 is dedicated to Philippine Airlines and PAL Express, Terminal 3 serves Cebu Pacific and other carriers, and Terminal 4 handles domestic flights on smaller airlines. Free shuttle buses run between terminals but can take 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.

What should I know about transferring between Manila Airport terminals?

The four terminals at NAIA are separate buildings with no airside connection. Transferring requires exiting the terminal, taking a shuttle bus or taxi, and clearing security again. Manila's notorious traffic can make inter-terminal transfers unpredictable, so allow at least 2-3 hours for connections between terminals.

Is there free Wi-Fi at Manila Airport?

Yes, NAIA offers free Wi-Fi in all four terminals. The service is provided by various Philippine telecoms and can be accessed after a brief registration. Speeds vary by terminal and time of day, but are generally sufficient for basic browsing and messaging.

Which airlines have a hub at Manila Airport?

Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, uses Terminal 2 as its hub and is the oldest commercial airline in Asia still operating under its original name. Cebu Pacific, the largest low-cost carrier in the Philippines, operates from Terminal 3. Together they connect Manila to dozens of domestic islands and international destinations.