Manila airport hikes terminal fee: How much, what about OFWs?

The private concessionaire clarified on Tuesday that the upcoming increase is not arbitrary; it is mandated by government policy and backed by formal reviews.

By comparison, the Passenger Service and Security Fee at Singapore's Changi Airport for 2025 is significantly higher, at $32.11, according to ASEAN briefing.

In a press statement, NNIC said the adjustment comes under MIAA Administrative Order No. 1 (Series of 2024), which was approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Cabinet.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), acting as government adviser, also reviewed the proposed rates — which any successful bidder would have implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, as per the Philippine News Agency.

OFW exemption maintained

NNIC emphasised that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) remain exempt from paying the international PSC.

“We recognise the sacrifice and contribution of our modern-day heroes. Their exemption from terminal fees continues under the new framework,” the statement said.

Fee breakdown, inflation

Effective September 2025, PSC will rise to ₱950 for international passengers (from ₱550) and ₱390 for domestic departures (from ₱200)—the first increase since the year 2000.

NNIC stressed that even with these adjustments, rates remain below inflation-adjusted levels, estimated at ₱1,300–₱1,400 for international and ₱480–₱520 for domestic PSC had fees kept pace with inflation since 2000.

Operations & Modernisation

Collections from PSC will go directly toward airport operations and passenger service improvements.

Since taking over NAIA operations in September 2024, NNIC has handled over 50 million passengers, underscoring the urgency for upgrade.

PSC at NAIA remains among the lowest among major Philippine airports and is still competitive regionally.

Recent upgrades and expansion plans

NNIC highlighted numerous enhancements to date: renovated restrooms; upgraded air-conditioning; restored elevators and escalators; new gang seating; additional baggage trolleys; improved Wi-Fi and CCTV; widened curbside lanes; a centralised TNVS hub.

There's also an OFW lounge, automated parking, dignitaries’ lounge; shuttle buses and ambulances; upgraded employee cafeterias.

A biometric passenger processing system is slated for launch in September.

Preparations for Terminals 4 and 5 are underway to increase capacity. NNIC is also clearing waterways around the airport to mitigate flooding risks and ensure safer operations for both passengers and nearby communities.

Legal challenges

The PSC hike has attracted legal challenges.

A group led by lawyers Joel R. Butuyan and Antonio Gabriel M. La Viña has petitioned a tribunal — and earlier, the Supreme Court — to block MIAA’s revised Administrative Order No. 1, citing constitutional concerns over due process and equitable treatment, and questioning the affordability of the increased fees.

Critics argue that such fee increases burden ordinary Filipinos and could fuel inflation and job losses. Public protests against the privatisation and its financial implications have also taken place, particularly on Aviation Day, The Manila Times reported.