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Reviewed March 2025
Key takeaways
NAIA serves as the main hub for international and domestic flights in the Philippines.
It has four terminals with complimentary shuttle services for convenient transfers.
Premium lounges offer amenities like food buffets, showers, and exclusive access for selected cardholders.
Table of Contents
Overview
Also known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Manila International Airport (MIA) is the primary gateway to the Philippines, serving the bustling metropolis of Metro Manila. Positioned strategically between Pasay and Parañaque, approximately 7 kilometers south of Manila proper and southwest of Makati, Manila Airport commenced operations in 1948.
Boasting a rich history as one of Asia’s oldest airports, NAIA is under the management of the Manila International Airport Authority and functions as both a public and military airport. Over the years, NAIA has evolved into a central hub for the Philippines’ flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, alongside PAL Express, serving as the primary operating base for AirSWIFT, Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia.
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Airport code
The codes for Manila International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are MNL (IATA) and RPLL (ICAO).
Location
Manila International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is located between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, about 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) south of Manila proper.
Arrivals and departures
You can check your departure and arrival status, timing, and terminal by visiting Manila Airport‘s official website.
Terminals
Terminals list
Before heading to Manila International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), it’s important to confirm the designated terminal for your flight. Airlines are typically assigned to specific terminals, so ensuring you know the correct one is essential.
To give you an overview of the facilities and services available, here’s what arriving and departing passengers can expect at terminals 1 to 4:
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 was constructed in 1981 to meet the growing demand for international passenger traffic in the Philippines during the 1970s. Designed by Leandro Locsin, a National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture, it surpassed its 4.5 million annual passenger capacity in 1991.
Subsequent enhancements have increased its capacity to accommodate up to 6 million passengers annually. Presently, the terminal serves as the primary hub for all international flights arriving in Manila. Various airlines operate at Manila International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, including:
- Air China (CA)
- Air Niugini (PX)
- Asiana Airlines (OZ)
- China Airlines (CI)
- China Eastern Airlines (MU)
- EVA Air (BR)
- Japan Airlines (JL)
- Korean Air (KE)
- Kuwait Airways (KU)
- Malaysia Airlines (MH)
- Oman Air (WY)
- Philippine Airlines (PR)
- Royal Brunei Airlines (BI)
- Saudia Airlines (SV)
- Shenzhen Airlines (ZH)
- Vietnam Airlines (VN)
- Xiamen Air (MF)
- Zipair (ZG)
Terminal 2
Initially designed for domestic flights, Terminal 2 now serves both domestic and international operations of Philippine Airlines. Designed by Aeroports de Paris, Terminal 2 features an arrowhead design with a central six-story Rotunda.
The terminal’s modern architecture includes white steel structures, aluminum ceilings, and marble floors. With North and South wings, Terminal 2 offers spacious lobbies for arrivals on the ground levels and departure areas on the second floor. Gardens and landscape patios throughout the terminal create a calming ambiance.
Domestic flights at Manila International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2, are operated by the following airlines:
- Philippines AirAsia (Z2)
- Philippine Airlines (PR)
- Royal Air (RW)
Terminal 3
Terminal 3, Manila’s largest airport, spans 65 hectares next to the NAIA runway. It efficiently separates arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the 3rd level, with 600 meters of curbside space for easy drop-offs and pickups.
Handling up to 13 million international passengers annually, it has 20 boarding gates and 140 check-in counters for 4,000 peak-hour passengers. The terminal also features retail shops, food courts, and parking for over 1,200 cars, plus 2,500 more in a multi-level parking area.
The following airlines operate at Manila International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3:
- Aero K (RF)
- AirAsia (AK)
- All Nippon Airways (NH)
- Cathay Pacific (CX)
- Cebu Pacific (5J)
- China Southern Airlines (CZ)
- Emirates (EK)
- Ethiopian Airlines (ET)
- Etihad Airways (EY)
- Gulf Air (GF)
- Greater Bay Airlines (HB)
- Hong Kong Express Airways (UO)
- Jeju Air (7C)
- Jetstar Asia Airways (3K)
- Jetstar Japan (GK)
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL)
- Philippines AirAsia (Z2)
- Qantas (QF)
- Qatar Airways (QR)
- Scoot (TR)
- Singapore Airlines (SQ)
- Thai Airways (TG)
- Turkish Airlines (TK)
- United Airlines (UA)
Terminal 4
Terminal 4 caters to the operations of local carriers in NAIA Airport. Designed to handle domestic flights, Terminal 4 serves as a hub for airlines such as AirSwift (T6), Cebgo (DG), and Sunlight (2R).
Despite its smaller size compared to other terminals at NAIA, Terminal 4 provides efficient services and facilities for domestic travelers, ensuring smooth and hassle-free journeys for passengers flying within the Philippines.
Transfer between terminals
MIAA provides complimentary shuttle services for seamless transfers between terminals at Manila International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Passengers can avail themselves of this convenient service by inquiring at the airport terminal’s transfer desk or visiting the airport’s website for more details.
The MIAA shuttle bus is exclusively for passengers with connecting flights to other NAIA terminals, and simply presenting your plane ticket grants access to this complimentary service. Operating 24/7, the inter-terminal transfer service departs every hour.
Shuttle bus locations are as follows:
- Terminal 1: Arrival curbside
- Terminal 2: Arrival curbside bay 19
- Terminal 3: At the terminal’s end (past the baggage carousel)
Services and facilities
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is committed to providing a range of services to enhance the passenger experience, including lounges, dine-in options, finance services and charging stations.
Dining/Shops
NAIA features a plethora of dine-in options and convenience stores that cater to all passengers. Here are some of the dine-in spots:
- Starbucks Coffee
- Cafeexpress
- Subway
- Foodmarket
- Driptea
- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
- Persian Avenue
- KFC
- Chowking
- Vin-Vin Cafe
- Cinnabon
Here are some of the convenience stores present in NAIA:
- Travel Shop
- Philippine Souvenir
- Goldilocks
- 7-Eleven
- Rayban
- Travel Body
Please note that diners are available on all four terminals while the convenience stores can only be found on Terminals 1 and 3.
Lounges
Inside the Manila International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), there are a variety of premium lounges that you can enjoy. Some of the lounges are listed below, according to some sources.
Marhaba Lounge
The Marhaba Lounge offers travelers walk-in access at terminals 1 and 3. Priced from PHP 1,000 to PHP 1,900 per traveler, guests can enjoy a maximum stay of 3 hours.
However, access to this lounge is free for some who have the following credit cards:
- AUB Platinum Mastercard
- BDO American Express The Platinum Card
- BDO American Express Platinum Credit Card
- BDO American Express Explorer Credit Card
- BDO Diamond Rewards Card
- EastWest Priority Visa Infinite
- Security Bank World Mastercard
- Security Bank Platinum Mastercard
- UnionBank Miles+ Visa Platinum
- UnionBank GoRewards Visa Platinum
- UnionBank Cebu Pacific Visa
- UnionBank Visa Platinum
- UnionBank Platinum Mastercard
Moreover, the lounge provides complimentary amenities, including the following:
- Premium food
- Snacks
- Wifi
- Showers
- Flight Monitors
- Newspapers & magazines
- TVs
- Internet terminals
PAGSS Premium Lounge
Another renowned airport lounge at NAIA is the PAGSS (Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, Inc.) Premium Lounge. This upscale lounge offers a variety of amenities to enhance the travel experience. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous food buffet and unlimited drinks while taking in panoramic views of the airport runway from the window bar table.
The lounge features cushioned seats, charging ports, and shower rooms for added comfort and convenience. Travelers can also utilize the luggage area to securely store their belongings while they relax and dine inside the lounge.
Access to the PAGSS Premium Lounge at Terminals 1 and 3 is free for selected credit cardholders:
- AUB Platinum Mastercard
- BDO Diners Club
- UnionBank Miles+ Visa Platinum
- UnionBank GoRewards Visa Platinum
- UnionBank Cebu Pacific Visa
- UnionBank Visa Platinum
- Unionbank Platinum Mastercard
- Unionbank Gold Visa
The Wings Transit Lounge
Located at the 4th Level of Terminal 3, The Wings Transit Lounge offers weary travelers a sanctuary to recharge and relax before immersing themselves in the vibrant city of Manila. Guests can indulge in much-needed rest after a long flight by providing executive lounge seats that transform into flat beds.
Furthermore, visitors can unwind with popular movies and pamper themselves with foot scrubs and spa treatments. Lounge seats are available for walk-in guests, subject to availability upon arrival. Priced at PHP 700 for up to 7 hours, guests can enjoy an unlimited finger food buffet, hot and cold drinks, access to luggage storage, and a WIFI connection during their stay at The Wings Transit Lounge.
Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Lounge
Exclusive to Philippine Airlines’ Business Class passengers and select Mabuhay Miles members, including Million Milers, Premier Elite, and Elite members, access to the Mabuhay Lounge at Terminal 2 is complimentary.
This dedicated airport lounge offers a self-service buffet with the famous Arroz caldo, cushioned seating with charging ports, a shower room, reading materials, flight update screens, and a runway view, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable pre-flight experience for eligible guests.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge
Cathay Pacific offers its premium passengers a luxurious experience at Manila International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). If you’re flying business or first class, you can enjoy access to their lounge in Terminal 3, near Gate 114.
Inside, you’ll find everything from a high-quality buffet and refreshing drinks to a selection of newspapers and magazines for a relaxed wait before boarding. The lounge is also ideal for preparing for a business meeting, with excellent WiFi, printers, and photocopiers available for your convenience.
Wi-Fi and charging stations
Wi-Fi services are available in all the terminals, where NAIA Free Go Wi-Fi (GLOBE) can be availed for 3 hours per day. Free Wi-Fi (Smart) is available for 1 hour per day and Free Wi-Fi (Converge) for 2 hours per day. Passengers can also find Wi-Fi services at the check-in counter, pre-boarding gates, arrival lobby, and departure lobby.
NAIA also provides laptop and cellphone charging stations for passengers to make use of. They can be found on all four terminals.
Finance services
NAIA offers ATMs and money changing services for passenger convenience. In Terminal 1, you can find four ATMs, namely the Bank of Commerce, Banco De Oro, Landbank of the Philippine and the Philippine National Bank. Terminal 2 has the Security Bank ATM while Terminal 3 contains the Philippine Trust Company ATM.
Terminals 1 and 3 holds many currency changing stations such as HG-III Currency trading, Sophia Elise’s Foreign Exchange and the Airportville Currency trading.
