Often called one of the worst airports in the world, NAIA has long been in need of rehabilitation and upgrading. Now, as bidding officially opens, this may soon become a reality. 

Filipinos have probably lost count of the many times the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been called one of the worst airports in the world. In fact, the airport recently ranked eighth “among the 10 worst airports to wait in the continent with only 18.11% of passengers highly approving the queuing time in the airport,” according to a report.

Fortunately, things are starting to look up for NAIA as the government has officially opened bidding for its rehabilitation and upgrading.

Specifically, interested bidders are being invited by the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) “to bid for the contract to rehabilitate, operate, optimize, and maintain the NAIA,” per ABS-CBN News. 

As for the cost, the project is said to cost PHP 170.6 billion. 

What the NAIA Rehabilitation Project Covers

According to the PPPC, the project will cover all four terminals of the airport. This includes the runways of all four terminals as well as all of its facilities. The government, per the report, “opted for a solicited deal with a concession period of 15 years with a possible 10-year extension—anchored on performance.” 

Previously, a mega consortium of the country’s biggest conglomerates expressed the desire to upgrade NAIA. This mega consortium included Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp. of the Lucio Tan Group, Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC), and JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corp.

How This Will Be Beneficial for Businesses

Airports play a crucial role in transporting not just passengers, but also for goods and cargo. Businesses in the Philippines—particularly in Metro Manila—will greatly benefit once NAIA is upgraded and made more efficient and safe. 

It should be noted that a handful of regional airports are also up for sale by the government. Those who are interested and financially capable of either purchasing a regional airport or upgrading NAIA should take the opportunity to submit a bid in order to help improve these airports, which will positively affect the country’s tourism, trade, and other industries.