Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport
2011 Worst Airport (Terminal 1)
Traveller Comments....
"The worst airport of the world has been proclaimed! Bravo! It has showcased the most talented thieves and burglars in the world ever... added to it are drivers of the authorized taxi operator outside the arrivals that asks for money even before he starts the engine. Are Filipinos generally beggars? I don't think so..." - Roam_On
"Picking up your luggage was even worse, where a customs official expects to be paid off for not opening your bags." - biztrvlr
"Piece of advice, do no put all your money in your wallet, always spread it all over your body and put most of it in your shoes. You'll be surprise what's going on in that airport." - Crashnburn
"The current government administration should hire a bulldozer and a ramming team and start tearing it apart." - ajloren123
"If you find a seat be prepared to defend it at all costs!" - Big Tone
"It is run by thieves and extortionists neatly dressed in uniforms." - tailspin
"I am a filipino user of this airport and I don't tolerate bad habits and facilities, but I have noticed a big improvement in this airport now, new and clean toilets, carpeted walkways and boarding areas, new ceilings and aircons and hopefully more improvements to come." - rick_carpena
"Philippines Airport = not very nice (except for the new terminals of PAL). Overnight in a Manila Airport = NO NO NO" - Seb
"airport employees are the worst money hustlers around." - Steven
"It has to be experienced to be believed.... When I spoke to an airport employee there she told me to travel via Philipine Airlines next time because that terminal is much better for facilities.... With everyone who leaves the joint being ripped off for 750 peseos local bucks departure tax (around 20 Australian), we deserve better." - Brenty
Recent Review
Terminal 2 by Dave
Ok, flew out last Oct. 2011 right when this website's report about it being the worst airport came out. Needless to say, those improvements are still very few and far between.
The toilets are still not up to my standards (although already improved, but seem outdated compared to Incheon's for example), there is hardly any seating before the pre-departure area.
Also, they still check your passport and boarding pass at the door, you x-ray once at the door and then again after immigration; the check-in area has maybe 20 seats (I didn't count) all in all...simply not enough!!!
But my biggest gripe with this airport has to be the collection of a 20 terminal fee...yet you don't see where it's going!!!! Wth is up with that??!!!
I returned about two weeks ago (it's the height of the return for the Christmas holidays, thus jampacked)...and I just have to mention the arrivals area:
- There are only 5 carousels for the luggage, and there were 2 flights from the Middle East (including mine, from AUH) that arrived at the same time, full of Filipinos returning for the holidays. But these carousels simply cannot cope with the amount of people and luggage (including TVs, Stereo sets, DVD players...and the boxes).
- The arrivals area is just horrible. You cross a driveway, and you go down a rather steep ramp. You arrive at the bottom and it is just terrible. Cars are all over the place, with no order at all, the people who are supposed to pick you up are all cramped in this 'waiting area' across the street...and thus it is very hard to see the people picking you up. Thank God for cell phones.
Filipinos are very friendly (I am originally Filipino myself) and are a joy to be with. Sadly, the airport does not seem to reflect this...it's disheartening.
The last review for this airport was in 2011. Have you been there recently? Tell us about it!
Manila Airport Guide
Airport Lounges
- Delta Sky Club Lounge - Location: West Wing, Departure Level, above Gate 15. Access / Rate: US$ 50 for a day pass
- Pagstop Lounge - Location: International Terminal 1, airside
- Each Terminal has VIP Lounges located airside. Entrance fee: unknown
Airport WiFi
Free wireless internet is available at the Manila Airport. Surprise: It doesn't always work!
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the Manila Airport does not appeal to you (and we really wouldn't blame you), there is a hotel near the airport....
- Marriott Hotel - located across from Terminal 3. The hotel operates a 24 hour shuttle that runs every 40 minutes.
- Manila Airport Hotel - Free airport shuttle.
- Mabuhay Manor - Free Airport Transfer
A Day room is located for transitting passengers in Terminal 1. This room offers basic amenities including shower rooms. The airport web site states: "The Day Room is located near the Transfer Desk. Inform the staff at the Transfer Desk for you to be endorsed to the Day Room".
Airport Services, Facilities & Things to Do at the Airport
- Baggage Storage
Not Available - Chapels & Prayer Rooms
Chapel: Terminal 1 - 4th Floor, West Wing. Terminal 2 - Departure Level, Northwing. Terminal 3 - Mezzanine Level, North Head House.
Muslim Prayer Room: Terminal 1, 4th Floor Wing. Terminal 3 - 3rd Floor, Departure Area, North Head House - ATMS
Located landside in all terminals.
Airport Hours
Open 24 hours. However, there have been reports that travellers will not be permitted to enter the terminals until 3 hours prior to departure. The airport has denied this in news reports, so I really don't know what to advise here. If you are transitting you should have better luck, especially if you do not have to transfer terminals.
Terminal Quick Tips
- reports of unfriendly or corrupt staff
- many queues starting even before you enter the terminal.
- keep your bags close and always have your eyes on them. Don't get distracted!
- Terminal 1 is in BAD shape. Crowded -- Dirty -- Limited seating -- Toilets are a disaster!
- Oct 2011 Update: due to recent media coverage there are reports that Terminal 1 is undergoing some improvements
>>>Read All Manila Airport Reviews
Last Updated: 19 Jan 2012
The information in this Airport Guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airport's and their web sites. When you see "information not available" and "unknown", the airport has a lousy web site and/or has been uncooperative in providing information. The information above is subject to change without notice. Use it for informational purposes only to help you during your stay. To report errors, or to add/change any items quoted in the guide, please email me.
