“While we are pleased to hear that international travelers no longer rate NAIA among the world’s worst, there is obviously still a lot for us to do. Having fully opened Terminal 3, and substantially refurbishing Terminal 1 after decades of neglect, our next focus is decongesting the runway,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.
With Terminal 1 now restored to accept 4.5 million passengers yearly, the major repair begun in 2014, most notably the structural retrofitting, which ensured the continued safety and integrity of the facility, and the improvement of the mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems.
Architectural improvements were also implemented, giving the airport a sleeker look that facilitates better services. The improvements include:
- More spacious and better-lit check-in and arrival lobbies
- New check-in counters, flight schedule display, and furniture
- Modern interior design for ceilings, floors, and other furnishings
- Better layout for passenger flow
- Reconfigured waiting areas and duty-free sections
- New and additional retail concessionaires to serve passengers
- Less queuing time with the integration of terminal fees into ticket costs
- Installation of new chillers to ensure consistent cooling systems
- Refurbished comfort rooms
- Faster processing time at immigration counters
Improving facilities at NAIA T3 and ongoing work for air conditioning, walkways, etc. pic.twitter.com/coQZfSeNgq
— Abi Valte (@Abi_Valte) March 3, 2015
Lastly, renovated lavatories at NAIA T1 pic.twitter.com/jWQuEaTMzo — Abi Valte (@Abi_Valte) March 3, 2015
According to Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Jun Abaya, “This is just the beginning of our airport modernization efforts. The coming years will certainly be exciting as world-class terminals will rise in Mactan-Cebu and Clark; a new international airport will be opened in Panglao and a vastly-improved airport will be launched in Puerto Princesa; and the Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Laguindingan airports will be expanded and their operations upgraded.”