MANILA – The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) reported on Tuesday a steady increase in new international flights as well as carriers offering services via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

This came shortly after flag carrier Philippine Airlines launched direct services to Da Nang. Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific (CEB) was the first to launch the nonstop flight to the Vietnamese city in December 2023.

“We are scoring quick wins where we can by improving systems, facilities, and passenger flow. The results: we are now able to accommodate more flights and reduce congestion at the terminals,” NNIC president Ramon Ang said in a statement.

International carriers such as Air France, Air Canada, and Vietjet Airlines began operating new routes via the country's main gateway.

So far, the recently-launched direct services via NAIA include flights to Seattle (USA), Brisbane (Australia), Paris (France), Sapporo (Japan), and Vancouver (Canada).

CEB also began offering direct flights to Chiang Mai, Thailand, providing more options amid rising demand.

The NNIC said travelers could expect more international flights via the NAIA, with Air India launching direct services to New Delhi in October and United Airlines adding a second daily service to San Francisco.

The San Miguel Corp.-led consortium said these developments show how ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline operations are helping NAIA support this growth.

A number of abandoned aircraft were removed from the airside, freeing up parking space and improving aircraft turnaround and ground movement, the NNIC said.

It is also in the process of upgrading check-in and baggage handling equipment to speed up the process.

A new terminal (Terminal 5) will be built to boost the airport's capacity to 62 million annually, increasing air traffic movements from 40-42 to 48 per hour, and expanding food, retail, and lounges across all terminals. (PNA)