NAIA transition in full swing

The turnover to private concessionaire New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is going smoothly, according to Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim. 

Usec. Lim said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) are conducting monthly joint steering committee talks with the NNIC to ensure smooth transition as the latter slated to take over the operation and maintenance of NAIA next month. 

Usec. Lim revealed this to the House Committee on Appropriations during the hearing on the proposed 2025 DOTr budget. 

He added that issues discussed with NNIC include preparatory works at the airport such as putting up a new OFW lounge at Terminal 3, redesign of terminal layout, and upgrade of other facilities. 

“Tuloy-tuloy naman po ang activities of the transition,” Usec. Lim pointed out. 

Usec. Lim said DOTr has presented to NNIC the MIAA employee structure as airport regulator, saying the agency is awaiting approval from the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) for plantilla positions. 

At least 77.5% of MIAA employees have agreed on the employment offered by NNIC, according to Usec. Lim. 

He added that the airport police and other essential MIAA employees will be retained as organic personnel. 

“Since the concession agreement mandates that the concessionaire offers employment to MIAA employees, except for the airport police, which will be retained as an organic team and some essential MIAA employees to continue its function as regulator,” he said.