Monday, August 12, 2024 NAIA’s passenger traffic soared by 13% in H1 2024, hitting 25.11 million, driven by a strong economy and post-pandemic “revenge travel.” Passenger traffic at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) experienced a notable 13% increase in the first half of 2024, reaching 25.
11 million passengers, up from 22.2 million during the same period in 2023. The rise has been attributed to a robust economy and a surge in post-pandemic “revenge travel,” according to Eric Ines, General Manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
Despite fuel surcharges rising to Level 6 between March and June—resulting in additional costs of PHP185 to PHP665 for domestic flights and PHP610.37 to PHP4,538.4 for international flights—passengers continued to travel in large numbers.
Ines highlighted that airlines’ promotional offers during the first half of the year played a crucial role in maintaining these passenger volumes. NAIA recorded an average of 153,000 daily passengers in July, with 828 flights managed on August 8. Ines also called on airlines to uphold their responsibilities toward passengers and comply with the Passenger Bill of Rights.
He pointed out recurring issues such as flight cancellations due to mechanical problems and unscheduled maintenance, as well as complaints about airlines failing to provide food during delays. Ines emphasized the importance of on-time flights to prevent disruptions to other scheduled services. (PNA).