Manila airport: 7 hurt as portion of Terminal 1 ceiling collapses during Good Friday rush

Manila: Operations were briefly disrupted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 after a section of the ceiling partially collapsed on Good Friday (April 3), prompting authorities to immediately cordon off the affected area.

At least seven people were injured, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has confirmed on Friday, April 3. 

The incident occurred during Good Friday on Holy Week — one of the country’s busiest travel seasons.

Rapid response 

It triggered a rapid response from airport security and personnel of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), who sealed off the section to ensure passenger safety and prevent further risk.

Local media reported that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the structural failure.

Authorities are assessing whether the collapse was due to aging infrastructure, maintenance lapses, or other factors.

NAIA Terminal 1, was built between 1978 and 1981, with operations beginning on April 2, 1982. 

The incident raises renewed concerns over airport safety and infrastructure resilience, particularly during periods of heavy passenger traffic when the stakes — and risks — are at their highest.