For the nth time, a NAIA makeover

It’s one of several airports in the world that badly needs a makeover, this beloved gateway of ours.

OK, perhaps more than a makeover. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after all has seen better days, inside and out – from parking lots that are littered with trash in some parts; long queues everywhere, from the entrance to the security checks; slow and snaking immigration lines; bay areas that need refurbishment and airline lounges with air conditioning units that seem stuck at 25 degrees Celsius or higher and worst of all, three separate terminals that are not interconnected.

Passengers going from one terminal to the other would have to take an eight- to 10-minute taxi ride, if there is one, or walk for 15 to 20 minutes under the scorching sun with their bulging suitcases and all. It’s even longer if one has to go to Terminal 3.

And then there’s the issue of airport congestion with annual passengers of 32 million – and counting, already way above capacity.

To be fair to our airport authorities, I personally experienced significant improvements in our airport in recent years, especially when aviation man Cesar Chiong took over as general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). It is unfortunate that Chiong has been ordered dismissed for instituting much needed reforms in the airport. His case is still pending in our courts and I fervently hope justice will prevail.

Unlocking NAIA’s potential

The good news is that Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime “JJB” Bautista, a long-time aviation guy, is moving to “unlock NAIA’s potential as a world-class gateway.”

Sec. JJB is determined to make it work this time, having been on the other side of this story for the longest time in