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Manilla Ninoy Aquino Airport MNL Airport Traveler Guide

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MNL Airport Insights & Guide

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Getting to Know MNL Airport

Discover Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL), the Philippines' main international entry point, nestled just outside the city's heart. Renowned for its unique "Butterfly" terminal design, MNL facilitates a seamless journey for millions annually. This concise guide equips you with essential information for a smooth airport experience, whether you're arriving or departing.

Our streamlined guide covers everything from flight status, terminal details, to parking and dining options, ensuring a hassle-free transit. Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide for more insights and travel tips.

WATCH VIDEO: Take a brief look at an aircraft taxiing at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA):

Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4. Terminal 1 has 12 gates and serves international airlines such as Delta, Emirates, and Japan Airlines. Terminal 2 has 12 gates and serves Philippine Airlines and PAL Express. Terminal 3 has 20 gates and serves Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and most international airlines. Terminal 4 has 8 gates and serves domestic airlines such as AirSWIFT and SkyJet.

To navigate the airport terminals, follow the signs and directions to your airline's designated terminal. Each terminal has its own check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. If you need assistance, there are information desks located throughout the airport, and airport staff are available to help you.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates. The map is updated in real-time and can help you find your way around the airport quickly and easily.

Connecting Between Terminals

Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4. To get between terminals, passengers can use the airport shuttle bus service, which is available 24/7 and runs every 15 minutes. The shuttle bus is free of charge and can be found outside each terminal's arrival area. The travel time between terminals is around 15 minutes.

If you prefer to walk, the terminals are interconnected by covered walkways. The walking distance between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is around 300 meters, while the distance between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 is around 600 meters. The distance between Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 is around 1.2 kilometers. Walking times may vary depending on your pace and the amount of luggage you are carrying.

Tips from MNL Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from MNL-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"If you're flying out of Terminal 3, arrive early. It's the largest terminal and can be quite busy, especially during peak hours. The lines at security can get long, but the staff is efficient, so just be patient." — Miguel C., Pasay City, January 2024

"Terminal 2 is exclusively for Philippine Airlines, and it’s relatively straightforward to navigate. However, if you have a connecting flight from another terminal, make sure to factor in extra time for the shuttle bus or walking between terminals." — Anna L., Parañaque City, March 2024

Getting To/From the City

"For a hassle-free ride to the city, I recommend using Grab. It's more reliable than local taxis, and you can track your ride on the app. Just be aware of the designated pickup areas for ride-sharing services." — Carlos R., Makati City, February 2024

"If you're adventurous, try the public buses or jeepneys. They're cheap and give you a real feel of Manila, but they can be crowded. Make sure to keep your belongings secure." — Liza M., Taguig City, April 2024

Parking

"The off-airport parking lots are a great way to save money. They offer shuttle services to the terminals, which are convenient and efficient. Just make sure to book in advance during the holiday season." — Roberto D., Las Piñas City, May 2024

"If you're picking someone up, use the cell-phone waiting areas. They're free and allow you to avoid the congestion right outside the terminals." — Josephine T., Quezon City, June 2024

Inside the Airport

"Terminal 3 has the best dining options. I always grab a bite at Burger King before my flight. If you have time, check out the duty-free shops for last-minute gifts." — Erica S., Mandaluyong City, July 2024

"If you’re in Terminal 1, don’t miss the local food stalls. They offer a taste of Filipino cuisine that you won't find in the usual fast food joints." — Ramon P., San Juan City, August 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Always check your flight status online or through your airline's app before heading to the airport. Delays are common, and it's better to be informed than to wait around." — Katrina J., Pasig City, September 2024

"To avoid the stress of long lines, consider checking in online and printing your boarding pass at home. It saves a lot of time, especially during busy periods." — Alex G., Manila City, October 2024

iFly Tip: Access a variety of travel topics quickly by visiting our air travel reference guide.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas outside each terminal. Curbside parking is not allowed, and vehicles are not allowed to wait or park in front of the terminals. This is strictly enforced by airport security, and violators may be fined or towed.

To avoid congestion and traffic, the airport provides cell-phone waiting areas where drivers can wait for their passengers to arrive. These waiting areas are located near each terminal and are free of charge. Drivers can park their vehicles and wait for their passengers to call or text them when they are ready to be picked up. Once the passenger is ready, the driver can proceed to the designated pick-up area outside the terminal.

Parking Facilities & Options

Manilla Ninoy Aquino Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit all travelers' needs. There are several parking lots and garages located near the airport terminals, including Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4.

For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, cell phone waiting areas are available near the terminals. These areas are free of charge and provide a convenient place to park and wait until your party has arrived and retrieved their luggage.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages. Designated spaces are located near the elevators and shuttle stops for easy access to the terminals. If you require assistance, airport staff are available to help you with your luggage and guide you to the appropriate parking area.

Off-airport parking is a great economical option for travelers who want to save money on parking fees. Several off-airport parking lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminals. These lots typically offer lower rates than on-airport parking and provide a convenient alternative for travelers.

Transportation Options

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers:

  • Car Rentals: Major car rental providers such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz have rental facilities located at the airport. Travelers can easily rent a car upon arrival and explore the city at their own pace. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability.
  • Taxis: There are designated taxi drop-off areas outside of each terminal. Fares are based on a metered system and vary depending on the destination. It is recommended to only take official airport taxis to ensure safety and avoid scams. The average fare to the city center is approximately PHP 300-500, depending on traffic conditions.
  • Ride-Share Services: Services such as Grab and Uber are available at the airport. However, there are restrictions on where these services can pick up passengers. Travelers should check the app for pickup areas and any restrictions before requesting a ride. Grab is the more commonly used service in Manila.
  • Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles operate 24/7 and pick up passengers from designated pickup areas outside of each terminal. Fares vary depending on the destination and can be purchased at the shuttle ticket counters located in the arrival halls of each terminal. This is a convenient option for those who want to avoid the hassle of finding transportation.
  • Public Transportation: The airport is connected to the city's public transportation system, making it easy to travel to various destinations. Buses and jeepneys provide affordable options for getting around. Additionally, the Manila Light Rail Transit System (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit System (MRT) offer efficient routes to different parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased at the airport or at the station. The fare for a bus ride to the city center is approximately PHP 20-50, while train fares start at PHP 15.

iFly Tip: Make your journey more enjoyable by reading our overweight passenger guide.

Airport Hotels

Whether you're looking for a place to unwind before a flight, seeking a convenient base for city exploration, or in search of a comfortable stay with amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and television facilities, we have a variety of hotel options near the airport that have got you covered. Some of them also offer additional features like round-the-clock front desk services, room service, and communal amenities to ensure a pleasant and hassle-free stay. Discover a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly lodgings to comfortable 2-star establishments, all within a short distance from the airport and key city attractions. Ready to explore? Check out our Ninoy Aquino Airport Hotels now!

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

MNL offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers. Terminal 1 has several restaurants and cafes, including Starbucks, Jollibee, and Yellow Cab Pizza. For those looking for a quick snack, there are also several convenience stores and fast food chains such as McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts.

Terminal 2 has a variety of dining options, including Figaro Coffee Company, KFC, and Shakey's Pizza. There are also several shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and electronics. Terminal 3 has a good selection of restaurants, including Burger King, Chowking, and Krispy Kreme. There are also several duty-free shops selling chocolates, liquor, and cosmetics.

If you're traveling through Terminal 4, you'll find a few cafes and snack bars, including Dunkin' Donuts and KFC. There are also a few shops selling books, magazines, and souvenirs.

Some recommended restaurants and stores at MNL Airport include Starbucks in Terminal 1, Figaro Coffee Company in Terminal 2, and Burger King in Terminal 3. For shopping, check out the duty-free shops in Terminal 3 or the souvenir shops in Terminal 2.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

  • Free Wi-Fi: MNL Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout all four terminals, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
  • Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in Terminal 1 for your convenience.
  • Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, MNL Airport features a designated children's play area in Terminal 3, equipped with a variety of toys and games.
  • Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
  • ATM: ATMs are available throughout the airport, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
  • First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a medical clinic is located in Terminal 1, and first aid stations are available in all terminals. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight. At Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport, there are several ways to check for flight status information.

One way is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminals. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, delays, and gate information.

Another way is to download your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer push notifications, text messages, and email alerts for flight status updates, including departure delays, cancelations, and gate changes.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

iFly Tip: Shorter lines and less hassle? Check out the TSA PreCheck Guide for more details.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is located in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.
  • Terminals: The airport has four terminals:
    • Terminal 1: Used by various international carriers.
    • Terminal 2: Exclusively used by Philippine Airlines for both domestic and international flights.
    • Terminal 3: The newest and largest terminal, serving both domestic and international flights.
    • Terminal 4: Known as the Domestic Terminal, handling only domestic flights.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines. For a full list of airlines, visit the MNL Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 100,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: MNL sees around 800 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from MNL are Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Seoul, and Tokyo.
  • Hub Status: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport is a hub for Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines.

Airport History

Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport, also known as NAIA, is the main international gateway to the Philippines. The airport is named after Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., who was assassinated at the airport in 1983. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1948 - The airport was originally named Manila International Airport and was located in what is now the Villamor Air Base.
  • 1954 - The airport was moved to its current location in Pasay City.
  • 1983 - Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. was assassinated at the airport, which led to its renaming to Manila International Airport in his honor.
  • 1987 - The airport was renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
  • 1991 - Terminal 2, also known as the Centennial Terminal, was opened in time for the Philippine Centennial Celebration.
  • 2013 - Terminal 3 was fully operational, increasing the airport's capacity to handle more passengers.
  • 2020 - The airport was temporarily closed for international flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened in July 2021 with limited capacity and strict health protocols.

Today, Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport serves as the main hub for Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, and welcomes millions of passengers every year.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: MNL
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +63 2 8771 8600
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Andrews Ave, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Manilla Ninoy Aquino Airport Q&A

There are four terminals. Terminal 1 serves international airlines like Delta and Emirates. Terminal 2 is for Philippine Airlines and PAL Express. Terminal 3 hosts Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and most other international airlines. Terminal 4 is for domestic flights by carriers such as AirSWIFT and SkyJet.
Passengers can use the free airport shuttle bus service, which runs every 15 minutes, or walk using the covered walkways between terminals.
Options include official airport taxis, ride-share services like Grab, airport shuttles, and public transportation via buses, jeepneys, LRT, and MRT.
Yes, there are several parking lots and garages near each terminal, including off-airport parking options with shuttle services for budget-friendly rates.
Each terminal offers a variety of dining and shopping options. For example, Terminal 1 has Starbucks and Jollibee, while Terminal 3 features Burger King and duty-free shops.
Use in-airport flight displays, download your airline's app for notifications, or check online via the airport's departures page.
The airport provides wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services. It's recommended to notify your airline in advance for assistance.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout all four terminals, allowing travelers to stay connected.
Designated pick-up and drop-off areas are available outside each terminal, with cell-phone waiting areas nearby for convenience.
There are various hotel options near the airport, ranging from budget-friendly to more comfortable accommodations, some offering amenities like free Wi-Fi and room service.