NAIA revenue losses reach P1 billion

MANILA, Philippines — Revenue losses at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have reached almost P1 billion as of end-April as the country’s aviation industry continues to reel from the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have already incurred huge losses at our airport. Our last tally as of end of April is almost P1 billion losses in revenue for NAIA,” Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal said during the Laging Handa virtual briefing yesterday.

In terms of passenger movements per day, Monreal said NAIA averaged about 768 flights per day prior to the pandemic.

This has plunged to only 10 flights at most a day prior to the suspension of inbound international passenger/commercial flights last May 3 which will last until May 8.

“So the operation of our airport is not even 10 percent,” Monreal said.

“I’m really fervently hoping that NAIA would return to its previous state in terms of activity, but it might take some time. It’s wishful thinking for now because we know we still have a lot of restrictions,” he said.

Monreal said there is a need to build passenger confidence in terms of traveling first.

Aviation think tank CAPA-Center for Aviation said in an analysis last March that while much is made of the disastrous impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the airline sector, the airports are suffering as well.

“In most countries the majority of airports are still state-owned, in others, the private sector runs the show. Now, the airports, like the airlines, will hit severe cash flow problems quickly, if they have not already,” CAPA said.

At present, MIAA said preparations are underway at NAIA as it adopts the guidelines issued by the Department of Transportation for the “new normal” in all international and domestic airports in the country.

Wearing of face mask when entering the airport facility, mandatory body temperature check, social distancing measures at all queuing points inside and outside the terminal building, and foot baths in all entry and exit points are just some of the guidelines to be implemented which aim to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

MIAA said these are seen to be the new way of life for both passengers and airport staff once travel restrictions are lifted and NAIA resumes operations.