2024 Manila Airport Guide: Terminals, Airlines, Facilities & FAQs

Manila Airport also referred to as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the largest and busiest major airport in the Philippines. Most international and domestic flights in the Philippines operate across NAIA’s four separate terminals: NAIA Terminal 1, NAIA Terminal 2, NAIA Terminal 3, and NAIA Terminal 4.

For first-timers, it could get a little challenging to navigate the country’s main international airport so we’ve created this guide to simplify everything.

Manila Airport terminals

The Manila Airport terminals or NAIA terminals are located in Metro Manila, specifically in Parañaque City (NAIA 1), and Pasay City (NAIA 2,3,4). Do note that these terminals are not connected so be sure to check the specific terminal of your airline to avoid inconvenience, or worse missing your flight.

NAIA Terminal 1

NAIA Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal and is mainly used for international flights.

Airlines flying to and from NAIA Terminal 1

Air China
Air Niugini

Asiana Airlines
China Airlines
China Eastern Airlines

Etihad Airways
EVA Air
Japan Airlines

Korean Air
Kuwait Airways
Malaysia Airlines

Oman Air
Royal Brunei Airlines
Saudia

XiamenAir
Philippine Airlines (international flights)

NAIA Terminal 2

NAIA Terminal 2 is mainly for domestic flights of Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier. Now, it also serves other domestic airlines including AirAsia and Royal Air Philippines.

Airlines flying to and from NAIA Terminal 2

Philippine Airlines
AirAsia
Royal Air Philippines

NAIA Terminal 3

NAIA 3 Airlines — ^{Airplanes outside NAIA Terminal 3 | Photo credit: patrickroque01}

NAIA Terminal 3 was built to ease the congestion of Terminal 1. It is currently the largest terminal serving both domestic and international flights. You may cross an air-conditioned footbridge to reach Newport City, a township development where you’ll find many shops, entertainment hubs, and hotels near NAIA Terminal 3.

Airlines flying to and from NAIA Terminal 3

All Nippon Airways
AirAsia

Cebu Pacific
China Southern Airlines
Cathay Pacific

Delta Air Lines
Emirates
Ethiopian Airlines

Gulf Air
Jeju Air
Jetstar

KLM
Qantas
Qatar Airways

Scoot
Singapore Airlines
Starlux

Thai Airways
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines

*Many airlines have transferred from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 so do check their respective websites for any terminal changes.

NAIA Terminal 4

Formerly the Manila Domestic Terminal, NAIA Terminal 4 is the smallest terminal servicing domestic and regional flights in the Philippines.

Airlines flying to and from NAIA Terminal 4

AirSWIFT

Cebu Pacific
SkyJet
Sky Pasada

Sunlight Air

NAIA transport options

You may take several modes of transport to arrive at or depart from the different terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Bus

UBE Express Airport Shuttle — ^{Photo credit: UBE Express Official FB Page}

There are premium point-to-point buses with routes between NAIA and different parts of the city. You may check out UBE Express and Genesis Transport Service for their P2P bus schedules and rates.

You may also take the airport loop shuttle bus from Pasay MRT to NAIA Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. The fare is ₱40.

If you have connecting flights between NAIA terminals, you can avail of the free MIAA shuttle bus inter-terminal transfer departing every hour. You just have to present your plane ticket.

Taxi

There are white and yellow taxis outside the airport terminals. The yellow airport taxi has a flag-down rate of ₱75 while the white regular taxi has a flag-down rate of ₱45.

Ride-hailing app

If you want to travel faster, you may also opt to use one of the ride-hailing apps like Grab, Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It.

*Visit Manila International Airport Authority’s official website for the latest NAIA transport options.

Manila Airport dining options

Little Flour Café NAIA 1 — ^{Little Flour Café at NAIA 1 | Photo credit: Wildflour Official Website}

Here are some of the restaurants, cafes, and other food establishments at different NAIA terminals:

NAIA Terminal 1

– Jollibee
– Bo’s Coffee
– Starbucks
– Caffe Xpress
– Little Flour Café (new)

NAIA Terminal 2

– Jollibee
– Cafe France
– Krispy Kreme
– Red Ribbon
– Seattle’s Best Coffee
– DELI Corner
– Randy’s Donuts (new)

NAIA Terminal 3

– Jollibee
– KFC
– Kenny Rogers Roasters
– McDonald’s
– Burger King
– Shakey’s Pizza
– The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
– Potato Corner
– Army Navy
– Dunkin’ Donuts
– Wendy’s
– Cafe France
– Ninetea Express (new)

NAIA Terminal 4

– Seattle’s Best Coffee
– Krispy Kreme
– Papa John’s

Tip: To save on food costs, you may bring your own water containers and refill them at designated drinking fountains.

Manila Airport facilities and amenities

Aside from the dining establishments, NAIA also offers a range of airport facilities and amenities:

Airport hotels

^{Photo credit: The Wings Transit Lounge Official Website}

Got a layover in NAIA and need a place to rest or sleep inside the airport? You can rent a day room at the Passengers Lodging Facility of Terminal 1 located near Gate 16 of the arrivals level. Terminal 3 also has The Wings Transit Lounge on the 4th floor behind McDonald’s.

Tip: You may want to stay in one of the hotels near NAIA 3 for more comfort and convenience. They are located in Newport City, which is accessible via a footbridge.

Shopping options

^{Photo credit: Duty Free Philippines Official FB Page}

There are duty-free shops in NAIA Terminals 2 and 3. There’s also a 4-storey Newport Mall located just across NAIA 3.

Information desk

You may seek information and assistance at tourist information counters located in the arrival lobbies.

Free WiFi and charging stations

NAIA offers free WiFi for 30 minutes. Telcos such as Smart and Globe also offer WiFi connectivity if you have a local SIM card.

Tip: Don’t have a local SIM? Get an eSIM instead to secure your connectivity in the Philippines. You just have to download the app and purchase your eSIM plan.

Nursery rooms and kiddie lounges

NAIA has nursery rooms for babies and kiddie traveler lounges for kids to play around. See respective locations for each terminal:

NAIA Terminals	Nursery Rooms	Kiddie Traveler Lounges
Terminal 1	Departure area	Near Transit Lounge
Terminal 2	Airside in North and South wings	–
Terminal 3	Pre-departure area	Pre-departure area
Terminal 4	Pre-departure area	Pre-departure hall near Gate 5

ATM machines and currency exchange services

ATM machines are located in the pre-departure areas. There are also currency exchange services located at the departure and arrival areas.

Medical facilities

All NAIA terminals have clinics with medical staff. See clinic locations of each terminal:

Terminal 1: Left side after the customs area
Terminal 2: Rotunda at the arrival level
Terminal 3: Left side after the customs area

Terminal 4: Pre-boarding area

You can also buy over-the-counter drugs and medicines at some stores in the departure transit areas and pre-boarding areas.

Prayer rooms

You can have some quiet time and pray in Christian chapels in all terminals. There are also Muslim prayer rooms at Terminals 1, 2, and 3. NAIA’s official church Our Lady of the Airways Parish is also located along Chapel Road corner Aquino Avenue, NAIA Road, Pasay City.

Manila Airport frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How early should I arrive at NAIA?

Ideally, you should arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before your flight since you still need to go through security checks. You might need more time if you are traveling internationally since you also have to line up for the immigration counter and TIEZA travel tax counters. We also advise that you take advantage of the online check-in provided by the airlines to save more time.

2. Is there a NAIA terminal fee?

No, there’s no more terminal fee to be paid separately at the airport. All terminal fees, which cost ₱200 for domestic and ₱550 for international, are already included in the airline tickets.

3. Do I need to pay a travel tax in NAIA?

While Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are exempted from paying the travel tax, generally, anyone who leaves the Philippines must pay the TIEZA travel tax. Visit the TIEZA official website for the most updated travel tax rates and exemptions.

4. Can I stay overnight at Manila Airport?

If you want to stay overnight at Manila Airport comfortably, you may want to book a stay at the airport sleep lounges: Passengers Lodging Facility (Terminal 1) or Wings Transit Lounge (Terminal 3), which are open 24/7.

5. What items are prohibited inside the airport?

Some prohibited items include guns, firearms, stunning devices, toxic chemicals, sharp objects, and liquids exceeding 100ml. See the complete list of Civil Aviation prohibited items.

6. Can I bring some food and drinks?

You may bring some dry food and snacks, but you cannot bring water or drinks inside the airport. You may, however, bring an empty water bottle and refill it at the airport’s drinking fountains.

7. What languages do the people speak and understand?

In general, the locals here can speak and understand both Filipino and English. You may also want to learn some basic Bisaya words and phrases if you are traveling to the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

8. Is there free WiFi?

As mentioned above, NAIA has free WiFi but with a time limit.

That’s pretty much it! Hope we covered the important things to know about Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Do you have more time to explore some Manila attractions near NAIA? We recommend Rizal Park, Intramuros, Manila Ocean Park, and Mall of Asia (MOA). Have a great time in Manila!