NAIA Records Strong Passenger Growth in January 2026 with Nearly 5 Million Travelers
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has reported a robust start to 2026, with passenger traffic reaching impressive figures in January. According to the airport operator, the total passenger volume for the month stood at 4.96 million, marking a significant milestone for the country's primary aviation gateway.
Record-Breaking Single-Day Traffic and Year-Over-Year Increases
In a news release issued on Friday, the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) highlighted that peak volume was recorded on January 4, 2026, with 180,089 passengers. This figure represents the highest single-day passenger traffic at NAIA so far, underscoring the airport's capacity to handle substantial crowds during busy periods.
Both international and domestic travel segments experienced notable growth compared to January 2025. International passenger numbers reached 2.42 million, reflecting an 8.16 percent increase year over year. Similarly, domestic passenger volume totaled 2.54 million, showing a 3.16 percent rise from the previous year. This balanced growth across travel categories indicates a healthy recovery and expansion in air travel demand.
Operational Stability and Infrastructure Enhancements
Despite the high passenger volumes observed during the holiday peak and throughout January, NNIC confirmed that airport operations remained stable. This stability is attributed to ongoing operational improvements implemented over the past year. Key enhancements include:
- Upgrades to terminal facilities to improve passenger comfort and efficiency.
- Rollout of biometric immigration electronic gates, streamlining entry and exit processes.
- Implementation of biometric passenger processing systems to enhance security and reduce wait times.
Additionally, closer coordination among airlines, government agencies, and airport service providers has been instrumental in managing queues, flights, and passenger flow effectively. This collaborative approach has helped mitigate congestion and ensure a smoother travel experience.
Financial Contributions to the National Government
In line with the public-private partnership concession terms, NNIC has remitted PHP 62.7 billion to the national government as of January 2026. This contribution follows the company's takeover of NAIA operations in September 2024, demonstrating the financial benefits of the partnership model in supporting public infrastructure and services.
The strong performance in passenger traffic and operational efficiency at NAIA reflects positive trends in the aviation sector, contributing to economic growth and connectivity in the Philippines.
