During the Philippine Aviation Summit in 2025, the vice president and COO of Philippine Airlines, Carlos Luis Fernandez, stressed the need for the development of a coherent all-inclusive national airport master-plan. Fernandez explained that the airport master plan is necessary to consolidate and eliminate redundant procedures, improve operational efficiency and productivity, meet the increasing demand in the region for air travel, and make aviation a major contributor to the economy of the Philippines.

This proposal is particularly relevant to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is currently struggling with congestion, insufficient capacity, and outdated infrastructure. The recent rise in passenger numbers, driven by increasing tourism and business travel, has made clear the urgent need for a unified strategy to manage the nation's airport infrastructure more effectively. According to Fernandez, the Philippines' aviation sector faces stiff competition from neighbouring countries, all of which are making significant strides in airport and airline capabilities.

Fernandez's plan outlines a multifaceted approach to address these challenges, with an emphasis on optimising existing resources and preparing for long-term growth. For passengers, this could translate into a smoother, more reliable travel experience, from booking a flight to landing at their destination.

Fernandez highlighted that Manila's airport currently handles the highest number of international flights in the country, but its capacity is nowhere near sufficient to keep up with the growing demand. With over 280,000 international seats in just one week, Manila accounts for 81.6 percent of the Philippines' international air traffic, yet is plagued by congestion due to overcrowded terminals and outdated infrastructure.

In his speech, he pointed out that while NAIA is vital to the country's air connectivity, it is operating far beyond its optimal capacity. As a result, passengers often experience delays and long queues, both in security checks and at baggage claim. By addressing these issues, the master plan could reduce waiting times, improve comfort, and make air travel a much more efficient process for millions of travellers.

The first stage of Fernandez's proposed plan would focus on immediate efficiency upgrades at Manila, including additional runway extensions, the introduction of night-rated runways, and improvements to navigation systems. These upgrades would help reduce delays and ensure that more flights can be accommodated per hour, reducing wait times for passengers.

This would benefit travellers significantly, particularly those on international flights, who currently face lengthy layovers or delayed departures due to limited slots. The upgrades could also boost the airport's overall reliability, ensuring smoother connections and better scheduling for connecting flights.

Alongside improvements to Manila's infrastructure, the proposed plan also suggests a more coordinated approach to other airports, such as Angeles City Clark International and the upcoming Bulacan airport. These airports, while promising, often compete for the same passenger base, which could hinder their long-term development.

A well-coordinated approach would ensure that these airports complement each other and focus on their unique strengths, whether it be serving regional flights or becoming hubs for cargo traffic. This would provide passengers with a wider range of options when choosing their departure and arrival airports, giving them the flexibility to select the most convenient route for their travel needs. Additionally, it would help to spread passenger traffic more evenly across the country, reducing pressure on NAIA and enhancing overall travel efficiency.

A crucial part of the proposed master plan is the standardisation of secondary airports across the country. This would include investments in runway extensions, night-rated infrastructure, and the upgrading of navigation aids. For passengers, this could mean better regional connectivity, allowing for more direct flights to and from provincial destinations, rather than forcing travellers to take connecting flights through Manila.

Currently, only a few airports outside Manila handle significant international traffic. Cebu, for example, currently accounts for just 10.8 percent of the national international seat capacity, while Clark stands at 4.5 percent. Expanding and modernising secondary airports could lead to better regional connectivity, allowing travellers to fly directly to popular destinations without having to transit through Manila. This would not only enhance the convenience for passengers but also relieve congestion at major airports, making air travel smoother for all.

The Philippine aviation sector's capacity significantly lags behind that of its neighbours. In 2024, Philippine airports handled just 60 million passengers, far less than the 156 million passengers handled by Indonesia or 119 million passengers in Thailand. However, by implementing the proposed master plan, PAL believes that the country can tap into the booming aviation growth seen across Asia. The plan's focus on infrastructure development is expected to not only improve the passenger experience but also bolster the Philippine economy by driving growth in the tourism and logistics sectors.

In particular, PAL highlighted the relatively low air cargo volume in the Philippines, which stands at less than 700,000 tonnes annually, compared to 5 million tonnes handled by Hong Kong International Airport. By improving airport infrastructure, the Philippines could become a key player in global air cargo logistics, opening up new opportunities for trade, exports, and tourism.

For passengers, this means improved service and enhanced access to more destinations. More efficient cargo logistics also means that travellers can enjoy a wider variety of products available at airports, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Philippine Airlines remains steadfast in its belief that a coordinated national airport master plan is critical for ensuring that the country's airports are equipped to meet the demands of modern aviation. The strategy outlined by Fernandez is about more than just physical infrastructure, it is about shaping a future where air travel is an effortless and seamless experience for passengers. This vision aligns with the airline's long-term goals of improving passenger satisfaction, optimising operational efficiency, and positioning the Philippines as a regional aviation hub.

As new trends in aviation arise, the need for a new national airport master plan is becoming more crucial. It will serve as a cornerstone for a more competitive, effective, and passenger-centered air travel system, and enable the philippines aviation industry and its adjacent sectors to grow sustainably.

Philippine Airlines Calls For National Airport Master Plan To Enhance Passenger Experience And Boost Aviation Growth - Travel And Tour World