Low-cost carrier AirAsia Zest has asked the government to expand Terminal 4 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, following the airline’s transfer of operations from Clark International Airport.
“We are aggressive in helping Terminal 4 to have more flights, to expand more and to catch more traffic. We have requested for an expansion of Terminal 4. If you look at [facility] there is a big potential for it. It used to be just domestic terminal but it is now flying three international destinations in AirAsia Zest alone and there is a possibility to expand it, so we are requesting the government,” AirAsia Zest chief of operations Joy Caneba said.
Another low-cost carrier Tigerair Philippines is operating at Terminal 4.
“We believe in the multiplier effect of the aviation industry. We think that if we are able to increase and improve efficiencies of airport, that will bring more traffic for the Philippines and improve the economy, hotels, restaurants and transportation business,” Caneba said.
The Manila International Airport Authority is conducting a feasibility study for a P4-billion budget terminal beside Naia Terminal 3.
The proposed terminal will have a 10-million passenger capacity a year and will be built on a 3.3-hectare land owned by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado earlier said once the budget terminal was operational, the MIAA would transfer the domestic operations of all budget airlines there and open T3 to foreign airlines.
“We are very pleased with the response that we got from the DoTC and MIAA. They really want to provide us better service. We support the efforts of MIAA, but we also want to have flights in Terminal 3,” Caneba said.
The DoTC is pursuing a dual airport system in the country—having both Clark International Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport operational—to address congestion in Manila’s airports as well as surge in domestic passengers.