MANILA, July 13 ------ Travelers can expect a higher terminal fee at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in 2025, just a few months after the turnover of airport operations to a private firm, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the terminal fee may go up to P950 from the current P550 as the San Miguel Corporation-led consortium undertakes a massive P170.6-billion rehabilitation of the Philippines’ main gateway starting this September.
“Kailangan namang ma-compensate natin yung concessionaire doon sa investments nila. But with the investments that they will do, the charges that they will collect, mag-iimprove yung effiency ng airport from 32 million capacity ngayon, magiging 60 to 62 million. That would mean a more comfortable, better experience for the passengers," said Bautista during a press conference. But Bautista noted that the exact amount of the increase will still be subject to approval by the cabinet.
He added that it is also possible for the government to forego some of its revenues from the concession deal to prevent any increase or to minimize it. “Ayokong i-preempt. Yung amount kasi we have to finalize that,” said Bautista. Airport charges such as landing and takeoff fees paid for by airlines will meanwhile go up sooner or by the end of this year. This will also be subject to review. “Sabi nga nung mga airlines, baka naman mabigla naman kami, biglang taas. Kaya we’ll review this with the cabinet,” added Bautista.
According to Bautista, the last time that NAIA raised passenger service fees was in 2000, which he believes is a reason why an increase would be justified, especially with the modernization of the airport.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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