MANILA -- With a daily average of 125,000 passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this peak season, the total volume for this month is expected to reach up to 3.5 million, an official said Friday.
The average daily passenger volume at NAIA was 100,000 last November. This figure continued to increase since last Monday, according to Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) assistant general manager Bryan Co.
"This level or around 125,000 passengers daily is expected to continue until yearend," he said in a public briefing, adding that most of the passengers are from the USA, Canada, Middle East, and those from the provinces.
"We think that by end of December, we will log around 3.2 to 3.5 million passengers that have used our NAIA terminals," he continued.
Co noted that MIAA has to ensure enough manpower and serviceable equipment to avoid delays and cancellations amid the surge of passengers.
The MIAA, he said, has met with the three major local airlines to prevent the delay in the release of baggage, which has been the complaint of a number of passengers recently.
The first luggage should appear at the baggage conveyor at least 20 minutes from the arrival of a flight, he said.
To further avoid delays, he said MIAA has instructed the airlines to open their check-in counters, 24/7 if possible. "We informed them that they can open (the counters) ahead of time."
Meanwhile, he reminded passengers to allot at least two hours prior to a domestic flight and three hours for international. They are also urged to monitor traffic situation to avoid delays going to the airport terminals.
Arriving international passengers, on the other hand, are encouraged to fill out the eTravel online form prior to boarding their flights. (PNA)
