The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) attained its highest-ever passenger and flight count in 2024, handling 50.1 million passengers.
In a press release on Thursday, its operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) highlighted the significant growth of air travel in the Philippines. Their data showed that NAIA handled 50.1 million passengers last year, signaling a 5.08% increase from the previous high in 2019 before the pandemic, and 10.43% higher compared to 2023.
Subsequently, 293,488 flights were also recorded, or an 8.08% increase compared to 2019. The NNIC noted that the figures mentioned exclude general aviation, but shows the steady growth in demand for travel.
“More Filipinos are flying, and more visitors are coming to the Philippines,” Ramon Ang, President of the NNIC said.
“This growth is a clear sign that confidence in air travel has returned, and it motivates us to work even harder. Our goal is to ensure that NAIA provides better experience for everyone–passengers, airlines, and partners alike,” he added.
With the recorded numbers last year, the NNIC delighted in the country's recovery as a travel destination and growing role in tourism and trade.
During the holiday season from December 30 to January 1, the NAIA recorded an average On-Time Performance (OTP) of 83.36% with a high of 88.35% recorded on December 31. This is the highest OTP recorded at NAIA since the NNIC began management in September.
For 2025, the NNIC is aiming to improve infrastructure and streamline operations to keep up with the passenger demand.
