THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said passenger throughput at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was 10.86 million in the first three months, more than double the year-earlier level as confidence in international travel returned.
“With the reopening of borders in countries such as Hong Kong and China, as well as the easing of travel restrictions, many travelers have regained confidence to fly in and out of the Philippines for both leisure and business purposes,” MIAA General Manager Cesar M. Chiong said in a statement.
Passenger throughput in the first quarter was up 158% from a year earlier but remains 6% below the corresponding pre-pandemic level of 11.59 million in the first quarter of 2019.
Flight movements — the sum of takeoffs and landings — increased 77% to 67,781 in the first quarter. Flight movements exceeded the pre-pandemic level of 65,161 in the first quarter of 2019.
In the first quarter, 6.16 million passengers traveled on 42,331 domestic flights, up from the 5.45 million passengers and 36,206 flights in the first quarter of 2019.
“Because domestic borders opened earlier than international borders, airlines are deploying a lot of flights right now to serve our local destinations. Our domestic sector is thriving, and we are seeing the results of the government’s efforts to revive tourism,” Mr. Chiong said.
“As the aviation industry recovers from the effects of the pandemic, passenger numbers are likely to rise further in the coming months and years,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
