New Manila airport takes off (almost): Bulacan mega hub to start construction in 2026

Manila: Get ready, Philippines. The New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan is about to take off — literally. 

But don’t pack your bags just yet.

The $15-billion NMIA project construction is slated to start in January 2026, and this mega airport project is shaking up the skies with plans to replace the overworked Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with a super-sized aviation hub north of the Philippine capital, just about 4km north of Navotas.

Once completed, it could be time to say goodbye to runway traffic jams in the existing Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) — Manila’s only airport, designed for 30 million, but now serving more than 45 million per year.

Metro Manila itself has about 18 million inhabitants. 

The new airport will be built on a massive 2,500-hectare reclaimed land along Manila Bay. NMIA is set to become one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most modern airports. 

Think of it as Manila’s answer to the world’s busiest hubs, designed to handle a whopping 35 million passengers a year right out of the gate, with ambitions to soar up to 100 million passengers annually once fully completed.

Construction and design

The first phase kicks off in 2026 and aims to wrap up by late 2028. 

This includes two parallel runways, a futuristic terminal with five wings and about 240 boarding gates, plus all the infrastructure needed to keep things running smoothly. 

And that’s just the start — plans are afoot to expand to four parallel runways to keep up with growing air traffic.

Believe it or not, the project hit a snag over... sand.

Yes, sourcing enough sand for the massive land reclamation took longer than expected, pushing the timeline back by about a year. But the team is back on track and ready to roll full steam ahead.

To make sure you don’t get stuck in traffic on your way to the airport, there’s a strong push to extend the MRT-7 line straight to NMIA.

Plus, new expressways will link the airport to Metro Manila, making your journey from city to sky a breeze.

Who’s behind this giant?

The brains and brawn behind NMIA is San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI), a subsidiary of the Filipino powerhouse San Miguel Corporation (SMC). 

They’re handling everything from financing to building and running the airport under a 50-year build-operate-transfer agreement with the government.

This isn’t just about planes and passengers — it’s a massive job creator, expected to generate over 1 million jobs during construction and operation. 

It’s a game-changer for the local economy, tourism, and business growth.

NAIA is bursting at the seams, handling around 40 million passengers yearly despite being designed for just 30 million. 

Even with upgrades, it can only stretch so far — up to 62 million passengers max. NMIA is the relief valve Manila desperately needs to ease congestion, reduce delays, and offer travelers a world-class experience.

The $15-billion NMIA is more than just a new airport and terminal — it’s a bold leap into the future of Philippine aviation. 

With its scale, cutting-edge design, and smart connectivity (proposed), it promises to transform how the Philippines flies and fuels long-term growth.

Just don’t expect to pack your bags for takeoff until late 2028.