Ninoy Aquino International Airport - airport serving Metro Manila, Philippines and main international gateway to the Philippines

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (IATA: MNL), commonly called NAIA, is the airport serving Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and its surrounding metropolitan area.

Located 8 km south of Manila in the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, it is the international gateway for most visitors entering the Philippines, and all major airlines in the Philippines have their main base of operations here.

Understand

Ninoy Aquino International Airport started as (and remains) a military base. Built in the 1930s by the Americans as the military-only Nichols Field, it became Manila International Airport when civilian operations were moved here from Manila's former airport, Nielsen Field (which today is part of downtown Makati), in 1948. It was renamed in honor of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. in 1987, four years after he was assassinated on the airport's runway apron as he returned from self-imposed exile in the United States. Aquino was a leader of opposition to the Marcos regime, and his murder helped set off changes that led to his widow becoming President.

NAIA is Southeast Asia's fifth-busiest airport, after the airports in Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. However, airport expansion has not caught up with passenger growth and the airport as a whole is set to reach capacity within the next 5-10 years: Terminals 1 and 2 are already operating beyond capacity, and intersecting runways make it difficult to increase capacity. As a result, the airport has developed an ominous reputation for poor infrastructure, long queues, delays, inefficient transit procedures and, more significantly, corruption. In 2011, two people were injured when part of the ceiling at Terminal 1 collapsed.

Terminal 1 was judged the world's worst airport terminal by the "Sleeping in Airports" website (dead link: March 2023), and passenger opinion of NAIA as a whole is poor, from Filipinos and foreigners. In August 2013, an on-line survey by a hotel booking company rated NAIA as the worst airport in Asia, below airports in Vientiane, Yangon and Phnom Penh and a very long way behind the best, Singapore.

Things, however, are set to improve with significant government investment in NAIA. Terminal 1 is undergoing a ₱1 billion makeover to modernize facilities and to strengthen the building's structural integrity, while Terminals 2 and 3 will be expanded to support more flights. An elevated expressway has opened in 2016, easing travel between terminals and the rest of the metro, but a future connection to the Manila LRT Line 1 is expected to improve access to the airport for the long term. In addition to those developments, there is ongoing work to convert the military-only Sangley Point airfield in Cavite City into a secondary airport aimed on low-cost carriers, charter flights, and general aviation, decongesting NAIA by 20%; completion of the airport is expected no earlier than November 2019.

It is quite common for international travellers to bypass NAIA, instead entering the country via smaller and friendlier airports, mainly Clark for those whose final destination is in the north of the country and Cebu for those bound for the Visayas or Mindanao.

Flights

NAIA has four terminals, Terminals 1-4. Terminal 2 is commonly called the "Centennial Terminal", as it was opened for the Philippine Centennial in 1998, while Terminal 4 used to be called the Domestic Terminal. The terminals are in separate buildings that are not connected.

Many airlines that fly internationally into NAIA use Terminals 1 or 3, while local airlines use the other two:

Terminal 1

Air China, Air Niugini, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia Airways, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Philippine Airlines (flights to the Middle East, New York City, Toronto and Vancouver, and arrivals from Los Angeles and San Francisco), Royal Brunei Airlines, Saudia, Scoot, Thai Airways, XiamenAir.

Terminal 2

Philippine Airlines (all other international flights and flights to Bacolod, Davao, Iloilo, Laoag and Tagbilaran).

Terminal 3

AirAsia (international flights), All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, KLM, Philippine Airlines (all other domestic flights), Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines

Terminal 4

AirAsia (domestic flights), AirSWIFT, Cebgo, SkyJet, Sky Pasada

NAIA charges a passenger service charge of ( for domestic flights), which is fully integrated into the cost of the ticket.

Departures

As with the norm in the Philippines, expect two security checkpoints: one landside, and another between landside and airside. Lines can be long on landside security, so allow a hour to go through the procedures, especially on busy days. With the notable exception of Terminal 3, only departing passengers with proof of a departing flight are allowed entry, so you will need to make your goodbyes outside the terminal building in the heat, dust and general kerfuffle.

Passengers on international flights must also pass through immigration before getting through airside security. On busy days or peak hours, expect waiting in line for 30 minutes to get through this process.

Ground transportation

Getting to NAIA from various parts of Metro Manila looks bewildering, but in fact it's relatively straightforward. It is 8 km southeast of Manila, and is well-integrated with Metro Manila's transportation system.

By bus

Three types of buses connect NAIA to the rest of Metro Manila and beyond: point-to-point buses, UBE Express express buses, regular city buses and a minibus service.

By point-to-point bus

Metro Manila's growing network of point-to-point buses (P2P) now includes a direct connection between the airport and Clark International Airport in Angeles, Pampanga, primarily targeting transit passengers who need to connect to flights leaving from Metro Manila's other airport. Operated by Genesis Transport, the NAIA–Clark P2P bus departs from the arrival area of Terminal 3, stopping only at Ortigas Center (at the Robinsons Galleria shopping mall) before arriving in Clark. From Clark to NAIA, buses also drop off passengers at Terminals 1 and 2 before terminating at Terminal 3.

Although the vast majority of P2P buses are operated using normal Genesis Transport buses, three daytime buses (at 9AM, 2PM and 4PM between NAIA and Clark, and at 10:30AM, 12:30PM and 2:30PM between Clark and NAIA) are operated by JoyBus, a luxury bus brand operated by Genesis Transport. JoyBus buses have a bus attendant on-board and are equipped with larger seats with in-seat entertainment, a restroom and other luxuries.

P2P buses from NAIA to Clark run every 1-2 hours from 2AM till 12:30AM, while buses from Clark to NAIA run from 1:30AM to 11PM. A one-way ticket between NAIA and Ortigas is , while a ticket between NAIA and Clark is . In the opposite direction, a ticket between Clark and NAIA is depending on the terminal. A JoyBus ticket costs on top of the normal fare. Tickets are payable only in cash from points of departure.

Travel time between NAIA and Clark is between 3 and 4 hours, and the bus schedule doesn't correspond with flight schedules at either airport, so make sure to board the bus as early as possible to avoid missing your flight.

By UBE Express

The UBE Express (which stands for "Ultimate Bus Experience") is an express bus service operated by the Department of Transportation in conjunction with the cargo provider Air21, connecting Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to various hotels and tourist attractions. All buses are air-conditioned, low-floor and equipped with Wi-Fi for the use of passengers.

Eight UBE Express routes are in operation (a full route map is available here):

• Entertainment City route: NAIA → Solaire Resort and Casino → SM Mall of Asia
• Robinsons route: NAIA → Hotel Jen (Cultural Center) → Bayview Park Hotel (Rizal Park) → Manila Hotel → Intramuros → Robinsons Place Manila
• Makati route: NAIA → Ayala Center
• Grand Prix route: NAIA → Kabayan Hotel (MRT-3 Taft Avenue) → Grand Prix Hotel (Victory Liner Pasay Terminal)
• Cubao route: NAIA → Araneta Center
• Ortigas route: NAIA → Robinsons Galleria
• Alabang route: NAIA → Alabang Town Center → Ayala Malls South Park
• Laguna route: NAIA → Nuvali → Robinsons Sta. Rosa Market

The Cubao, Ortigas, Alabang and Laguna routes are operated as P2P routes (similar to the NAIA-Clark bus), running from 5:30AM till 9PM with buses leaving every 1-2 hours. A one-way ticket is to Ortigas, to Cubao, to Alabang and to Laguna.

All other UBE Express buses meanwhile run from 6AM till midnight, with buses leaving every 30 minutes. A one-way ticket is normally , although tickets are selling at half-price (), and places may be reserved online.

By city bus

The airport is also served by regular city buses.

All terminals are served by route 43, the NAIA Loop service, operated by HM minibuses as well as UBE Express buses. Buses depart from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and go to Terminals 2 and 1 before heading into terminals 4 and 3 and back into PITX via Airport Road.

Terminals 1 and 2 are indirectly served by route 44, which runs between Alabang (Muntinlupa) and Navotas. Route 44 runs from Alabang to Navotas via Dr. A Santos and Ninoy Aquino avenues; it passes near Terminals 1 and 2, but will drop passengers just outside the terminals.

Terminal 3 is also served by route 16, on Citylink buses operated by the Megaworld Corporation, which connects Resorts World Manila (across from Terminal 3) to Eastwood City in Quezon City via Fort Bonifacio using Circumferential Road 5 (C-5) during peak hours. The fare is .

By jeepney

Three jeepney routes serve the airport complex. While slower, less comfortable and not air-conditioned, jeepneys are a cheaper alternative to buses, and also run 24 hours a day. Fares are for the first 4 km ( for students), with an additional for every kilometer thereafter. Students are eligible for a 20% discount on jeepney fares, the same discount as for bus fares.

• The Nichols–Vito Cruz–EDSA–Tramo jeepney route, which serves all four terminals, stops at the intersection of EDSA and Taft Avenue (at the interchange between LRT-1 EDSA station and MRT-3 Taft Avenue station). The jeepney stop is just outside Giselle's Bus Terminal, beside the SOGO Hotel and the staircase leading up to MRT-3 Taft Avenue station.
• The Baclaran–MIA jeepney route serves Terminals 1, 2 and 4 and originates at Quirino Avenue, just outside the LRT-1 Baclaran station. Some of these jeepneys may ply the longer Domestic Airport–Baclaran–South Pier jeepney route, which connects the airport to Manila South Harbor and passes through a number of points in Manila proper.

Jeepneys from Baclaran toward the airport stop first at Terminal 4 before stopping at Terminals 1 and 2. At Terminals 1 and 2, jeepneys stop at the designated bus stop, while at Terminal 4, the jeepneys stop in front of the terminal, either across from (outbound) or beside (inbound) the terminal. Similar to buses, jeepneys are only one-way between Terminals 1 and 2, stopping at Terminal 2 first before stopping at Terminal 1.

The Terminal 3 jeepney stop is outside the airport beside the Circulo del Mundo Rotonda, although it is possible to get off at Resorts World Manila (on the other side of the road) and cross Andrews Avenue to Terminal 3.

Because of the constricted space of jeepneys, it's not recommended to use them if you have bulky luggage.

By car

The fastest way to or from the airport by road is through the elevated NAIA Expressway (NAIAx). Connecting the airport complex to the Metro Manila Skyway (and the South Luzon Expressway), the Manila–Cavite Expressway and Macapagal Boulevard, it provides a quick, direct and traffic-free connection to many parts of Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, with exits for Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

The NAIA Expressway has two connected segments. The short segment connects Macapagal Boulevard and the Manila–Cavite Expressway to Terminals 1 and 2, while the long segment connects the short segment to Terminal 3 and the Metro Manila Skyway. Tolls for driving on the short segment are , while driving on the long segment costs . On top of that, the Metro Manila Skyway also collected a toll of on trips to or from the airport, but collection has been suspended while integration of the Skyway and NAIAx toll structures is ongoing.

Surface roads also serve NAIA, all of which are named after the airport or prominent aviators. These include NAIA Road (formerly MIA Road) and Ninoy Aquino Avenue for Terminals 1 and 2, Andrews Avenue for Terminal 3, and Domestic Road for Terminal 4. Terminal 4 is accessible only through surface roads, with no connection to the NAIA Expressway. Although driving in Metro Manila is not for the faint-of-heart, with the opening of the expressway the surface roads are significantly less congested than before, and during times of light traffic (such as early morning) they can be a faster alternative.

Parking

All four terminals have parking lots.

• Cars parking at Terminal 1 may park at Lots A and B, which have a combined capacity of 500 cars. While Lot C is largely occupied by the airport taxi fleet, there are slots available for paying patrons.
• Cars parking at Terminal 2 may park at Car Parks 1 and 2, which have a combined capacity of around 1,100 cars. Car Park 2 is partially occupied by the airport taxi fleet.
• Cars parking at Terminal 3 may park at the open car park, which has a capacity of 1,200 cars, or at the multilevel parking building beside the terminal, with a capacity of 2,000 cars.
• Cars parking at Terminal 4 may park at the open car park located on the other side of Domestic Road, which has a capacity of around 155 cars.

Regular parking is for the first 2 hours, while overnight parking is /day. Cars left at the airport overnight have to be registered with security personnel upon entry. For more information, the Manila International Airport Authority also operates a parking lot hotline at +63 2 877-1109, extension 4315.

By taxi

For many travellers, taxis are the easiest and most convenient way of reaching the airport.

Official yellow airport taxis are available to bring passengers to and from the airport, charging a flagdown rate of plus an additional for every 250 m. Each departing taxi is registered by a dispatcher. These will cost up to depending on your destination. Make sure to look up how far your destination is so you have a rough idea of how much you should be charged. Easily half of all taxis in Manila rip off foreigners every day. Always insist on using the meter and refuse to pay the posted fare if it's exorbitantly high.

Regular white city taxis to or from the airport cost between to most destinations within the city, depending on the distance. While city taxis are only allowed only to drop off passengers at the departures level of each terminal (or at a special drop-off only taxi rank in front of Terminal 4) and are barred from picking up anyone, arriving passengers on a penny-pinching budget may want to go up the elevator to the departure level from arrivals and flag down one that had just dropped off someone and are heading out. Since they don't pass on any airport-related fees, they are much more affordable. However, security guards are under orders to shoo away white taxis picking up passengers in the departure area. Always insist on using the meter.

Special coupon taxis are taxis with fixed rates according to the destination. Coupon taxis serve hotels in Metro Manila, most points within the city, and towns and cities throughout Luzon. Some coupon taxi operators use minivans or SUVs, which may be useful for large groups. These fixed rate taxis can charge extortionist rates though, or higher to reach downtown Manila when a metered taxi would have cost .

Finally, ride sharing services like Grab are no longer banned from the airport, and it is possible to request for one to pick you up. Depending on traffic conditions, they can be cheaper or more expensive than taxis.

On foot

While not a practical way of reaching the airport, it is possible to get to the airport on foot. This is particularly true for walking from the Nichols railway station in Taguig, which is 2 km away from Terminal 3. PNR commuter trains run every 30 minutes during peak hours, and every hour at all other times, from 5:30AM-7:30PM. From Nichols station, head north on the East Service Road until the intersection with Sales Road at the end, then turn left. Walk straight until the intersection with Andrews Avenue at the end, and then enter Resorts World Manila. Resorts World Manila is physically connected to Terminal 3 via Runway Manila, an enclosed elevated walkway.

If walking the entire way isn't an option, it is also possible to board a Nichols Ikot (Nichols Loop) jeepney towards Terminal 3 at the opposite side of the Sales Interchange, beside the Villamor Golf Course, and get off at Resorts World Manila.

While it is possible to walk via Taft Avenue Extension, Quirino Avenue and then Airport Road, it is not recommended to walk from LRT-1 Baclaran station to Terminal 4 despite the distance (only 1.5 km). Use a jeepney instead. A taxi between Taft and the airport should be less than .

Get around

NAIA is famous for being difficult to transit through, especially if the connecting flight leaves from a different terminal. However, free shuttle buses transport passengers between terminals. The buses run every 15 minutes, although adherence to the schedule tends to be spotty. Shuttle buses depart from the arrival area of all terminals, so make sure to have a visa (if required to enter or transit the Philippines) if connecting to a flight departing from another terminal. The terminals are in completely separate buildings that are not connected. If in a rush, take a taxi. Allocate at least three hours when transiting between terminals (especially if going to Terminal 3) in case of traffic congestion around airport roads.

Passengers connecting between Philippine Airlines and PAL Express flights may avail of a free airside shuttle service between Terminals 1, 2 and 3. (Update in Jan 2020: there is free airside shuttle from terminal 1 to terminal 2. However, if you connect from terminal 2 to terminal 1, the shuttle is landside and comes at every 30 minutes which makes walking may be a quicker option if you have a tight connection)

There is also a free airside shuttle service between Terminals 3 and 4 for passengers connecting between Cebu Pacific and Cebgo flights.

It is also possible to walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 (and vice-versa) via the International Cargo Terminal, using the same road used by public buses and jeepneys. Walking between the two terminals takes fifteen minutes, with a direct view of the apron around Gates 1 and 2 at Terminal 1.

Wait

Unlike many of its Asian counterparts, NAIA has relatively few amenities or things to see. However, with the renovations at Terminal 1 and the opening of Terminal 3, this is starting to change.

There are two memorials in honor of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Junior, the opposition politician for whom the airport is named:

• On the departures ramp of Terminal 1 is the assassination site memorial, a piece of tarmac removed from the terminal apron where he fell after being shot dead on his arrival at this airport from exile in the US in 1983.
• In the check-in hall of Terminal 3 is a bust of Benigno Aquino, Jr., made by sculptor Rosalio Arcilla, Jr. There is a viewing gallery at the departures level of Terminal 3, which overlooks the baggage claim area. Entrance is free.

For children, Terminals 1, 3 and 4 have free NAIA Kiddie Traveler's Lounges (dead link: January 2023) at the pre-departure areas, complete with a play area, toys and games, a diaper (nappy) changing room and infant feeding station, and cartoons showing on TV. Terminal 3 has two lounges, each at the domestic and international pre-departure areas. The lounge is open daily 7AM-10PM at Terminal 1 and 2AM-8PM at Terminal 4. Children up to the age of 14 may use the lounge at Terminal 1, while children up to the age of 7 may use the lounge at Terminal 4.

In the pre-departure areas, all four terminals have televisions installed which broadcast news in Terminals 1-3 and local television in Terminal 4.

Lounges

VIP lounges are available for business and first class passengers, and for holders of certain credit cards. Compared to lounges at other Asian airports though, NAIA lounges are considered to be sub-par. Most of these lounges are in Terminal 1. Japan Airlines and Thai Airways International maintain their own lounges at Terminal 1, while Philippine Airlines maintains two Mabuhay Lounges at Terminal 2. At Terminal 3, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines maintain their own lounges.

• Club Manila, 3/F, Terminal 1 (across from the old PAGSS Lounge), +63 2 877-1109 ext 3021. 24 hours. In a streamlined Art Deco style, the lounge competes with the MIASCOR Lounge for the title of NAIA's best lounge. One of two pay lounges at Terminal 1, it has a Wi-Fi bar, a buffet spread and a shower. The lounge is also known for its large fish tank. Access is free to American Express Platinum and UnionBank Gold and Platinum cardholders, BPI "Preferred Banking" clients, BDO Diamond Rewards members, and business class passengers flying on Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines and United Airlines.
• Pacific Club Executive Lounge, 4/F, International Wing, Terminal 3. Daily, 4AM-10AM. The larger of the two lounges at Terminal 3, it has a modern ambiance with ample seating, a large buffet spread and a shower room. Access is free to Priority Pass, DragonPass, BPI SkyMiles Platinum, and Citibank Prestige and PlatinumMiles cardholders, SkyTeam Elite Plus members, and business class passengers flying on Delta Air Lines and KLM. $25
• PAGSS Lounge, West Satellite, Terminal 1 (beside the entrance to Gate 2), +63 2 879-6324. Daily 6AM-midnight. It has a native feel. Reading materials, a buffet spread and business facilities are available, but no bathrooms. There is a separate buffet with halal-certified food. Access is free to The Club Card, Priority Pass and Diners Club cardholders, BPI "Preferred Banking" clients, BDO Diamond Rewards members, and business class passengers flying Air Niugini, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Korean Air, Qantas, Turkish Airlines and XiamenAir. 2018-10-09
• Skyview Lounge, 4/F, International Wing, Terminal 3 (near Gate 115). 24 hours. Formerly known as the MIASCOR Skyview Lounge, it is known for its tasteful decor and its delicious buffet spread, although the spread is not as plentiful as the MIASCOR Lounge at Terminal 1. While it is the smaller of the two pay lounges at Terminal 3, there's lots of seating and outlets, and it also has a shower. Access is free to Priority Pass, Priority Access Club, AmEx Platinum, Citibank Platinum and PremierMiles, Diners Club and UnionBank Platinum cardholders, holders of certain RCBC Bankard credit cards, BDO Diamond Rewards members, Globe Telecom Platinum subscribers, and business class passengers flying on ANA and Emirates.
• The Wings Transit Lounge. 24 hrs. It has multiple sleeping facilities and is available to the public for a fee. Sleeping facilities include reclining lounge chairs, a small capsule hotel, twin rooms that can fit two people and a single family room that can fit four people. Twin rooms and the family room are outfitted with bunk beds. Access to shower facilities are made available when purchasing a package that includes either a capsule unit, a twin room or the family room. They also provide bathroom amenities, like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste. They also provide unlimited finger foods, non-alcoholic drinks, pay services like a massage and a foot spa, free wifi and a place to store your luggage. Their business center is rather small consisting only of a small table on top of which are two computers and a printer. Lounge Chairs ; Capsule unit ; Twin Room ; Family Room (these rates are for a maximum stay of 7 hours; extending your stay is allowed for an additional fee) 2018-05-22

Eat and drink

Dining options at NAIA are not as plentiful as in other airports, but there are options at all four terminals. Terminal 3 in particular is notable for having a foodcourt (dead link: January 2023) above the check-in area on the fourth floor which is also open to the public. Some of the more notable dining options at the airport include:

• Bo's Coffee. A local coffee chain known for its large selection of pastries, it has branches at Terminals 1 and 3.
• Goldilocks, North Wing, Terminal 2, +63 2 877-1109 (main airport switchboard then extension 2294). The airport store of the Philippines' largest bakery sells a variety of pastries, pies and sweets, including their famous ensaymada and mamon.
• Grand Kitchen, +63 2 879-5325. Serving traditional Filipino carinderia (traditional eatery) fare, it has branches at Terminals 2 and 3.
• Jollibee. The Philippines' largest fast food restaurant has branches at Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Serves typical American fast food fare, but with a Filipino twist.
• Kaishu Express, International Wing, Terminal 3, +63 2 701-9326. This restaurant is a sister to Kaishu, said to be one of Manila's best Japanese restaurants.
• Le Bistro, +63 2 836-9757. Known for its entirely locally-sourced sustainable coffee and organic salads and sandwiches, it has branches at Terminals 2 and 3.
• Little Vin-Vin's, +63 2 877-1109 (main airport switchboard then extension 2439). This restaurant serves food in the style of the local carinderias, with branches at Terminals 2 and 4. It is the only restaurant in Terminal 4. Food here, however, is severely overpriced relative to what is being served.
• Raku Hokkaido Ramen House, 4/F, Terminal 3, +63 2 721-9695. A decent Japanese restaurant in Terminal 3 best known for their gyudon and, of course, their Hokkaido ramen. One of the more popular restaurants in Terminal 3, it is often full.
• Seattle's Best Coffee. Starbucks' sister chain has branches at Terminals 3 and 4. Unlike other dining options at NAIA, prices here are the same as in other Seattle's Best Coffee branches outside the airport.
• Starbucks Coffee, Head Transit Lounge, Terminal 1. The Philippines' largest coffee chain is one of the newest offerings at Terminal 1, serving coffee and cold drinks, as well as other coffee shop fare.
• Tim Horton's (Timmie's), Terminal 3. This Canadian doughnut chain has a couple of dozen locations in Metro Manila, including one at the airport. They serve brewed filter coffee, not espresso; many Canadians consider it far superior to Starbucks.
• Ya Kun Kaya Toast, South Wing, Terminal 2 (beside Little Vin-Vin's), +63 2 401-4037. This Singaporean chain has one of its four branches in the Philippines at the airport, where it serves both its famous kaya toast and a number of traditional Singaporean dishes.

None of the restaurants in the airport are certified Halal (or kosher), and dining facilities for observing Muslim and Jewish travelers in general are rather limited.

Buy

Terminals 1, 2 and 3 have outlets of Duty Free Philippines (DFP), the Philippines' state-owned duty free retailer. DFP outlets are found at both the pre-departure and arrival levels of each terminal, and Terminal 1 has a DFP outlet in the Greeters' Area.

The duty free stores only have full-sized bottles of foreign alcohol. However, if you just want a smaller flask or airline sized bottle, most of the shops and even some restaurants in the airport sell those.

Aside from DFP outlets, there are also other retailers in the airport, but some of the more notable ones include the following:

• Christian Ventures Bookstore. This bookstore, which has stores at Terminals 1, 2 and 4, sells novels, travel guides, maps and periodicals in addition to Christian literature.
• Cora Jacobs, West Transit Lounge, Terminal 1, +63 2 833-3680. Known as the "pioneer of Philippine handbag design", its airport store has a variety of items from its collection on sale.
• National Book Store, +63 2 799-8140. The Philippines' largest bookstore has two stores in Terminal 3: one each at the International and Domestic Wings. It has a good selection of books and periodicals, and has a nominal school supplies section.
• Mixed Lifestyle, Domestic Wing, Terminal 3, +63 2 846-2383. A trendy clothing store in Terminal 3, it carries Team Manila merchandise, which make good souvenirs.
• Preclaro's Souvenirs, East Satellite, Terminal 1 (underneath the escalator going down to the gate area), +63 2 877-1109 (main airport switchboard then extension 4331). This souvenir shop has a variety of Filipino souvenirs, but it is better known for the giant, purple morion (a localized Roman soldier found in Marinduque) statue standing outside the entrance.
• Tesoro's Philippine Handicrafts. A famous retailer of Filipino handicrafts and souvenirs, it has stores at Terminals 1 and 3.

While most stores at the airport (except at the domestic wings of Terminals 2 and 3, and at Terminal 4) accept pesos and US dollars, many stores do not accept credit cards. There are ATMs at all four terminals, but all are located prior to entering the pre-departure area.

Stay safe

Avoid any people asking to carry your luggage for you, especially if someone is picking you up by car at Terminal 1. There are official, uniformed porters available for a fee of ; US dollars are accepted, but at the slightly more unfavorable rate of US$1= (as of 2020).

Beware of the hold-departure order scam by corrupt immigration officers; almost all cases of this corruption scheme happen at NAIA. Foreigners are rarely singled out, but returning Filipinos from overseas must be wary.

The airport has its history of widely-reported scams, most notably the bullet-planting (tanim-bala) scam, which also called international attention as an American citizen became entangled in that scam. The scam has since subsided, but some passengers remain vigilant, so they wrap their luggage upon entry to avoid possible trouble.

Connect

Internet

All four terminals have free, unlimited Wi-Fi access on the GlobeFreeWiFi@NAIA network, provided by Globe Telecom, although coverage can be spotty at times. There are standalone computer terminals at Terminals 1 and 2 with access to the Internet, as well as laptop desks at Terminal 2 beside the computer terminals.

Mail

Two of the NAIA terminals have post offices. At Terminal 1, the post office is located on the west wing of the arrivals lobby, while at Terminal 2, the post office is located beside the Pass Control Office in the arrivals level of the South Wing. Both post offices are open on weekdays from 8AM-5PM. Mailboxes are located at the West Transit Lounge (after immigration) at Terminal 1, and at the post office in Terminal 2. Mail is picked up at 10:30AM daily on weekdays.

Stamps are available for purchase at the following stores:

• Terminal 1: All stores between Gates 3-10
• Terminal 2: Stores around Gate S1 (South Wing), Store in front of the Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Class check-in counter (North Wing)

These stores are also authorized to bring mail to the post office for delivery. During weekends, these stores will hold mail until the post office reopens on Monday. At Terminal 1, this service is provided by the Christian Ventures bookstore at the East Satellite (gates 2-7).

Cope

Worship

NAIA has a number of worship facilities. All four terminals have Christian chapels, while Terminals 1, 2 and 3 also have Muslim prayer rooms. Washrooms are fitted with foot basins and Qiblah directions are mentioned in the prayer rooms. There are two Roman Catholic churches near the airport which are open to the public:

• Our Lady of the Airways Parish, Chapel Rd cnr Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Parañaque (At NAIA Road, turn right before the intersection with Ninoy Aquino Avenue), 14.5139°, 121.00419°, +63 2 851-4371. This is the official airport church and NAIA is probably the only airport in the country, if not the world, with one. A large statue of the Virgin Mary stands on an island across from the church, at the corner of NAIA Road and Ninoy Aquino Avenue.
• Shrine of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay (Opposite Terminal 3, behind the Total gas station), 14.52141°, 121.01579°, +63 2 853-9187. The church of Newport City and the seat of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, it is a popular venue for weddings. Its dome is visible from all parts of the airport complex.

Baggage storage

Terminals 2 and 3 have left luggage facilities. At Terminal 2, this service is provided by Philippine Airlines (/piece), while at Terminal 3, this service is provided by Luggage&More (/piece for three hours, /piece per day).

While not a left luggage facility as such, bags may also be left at the Interline Baggage Section of Terminal 1, to the side of the baggage claim area (/piece).

Smoking

All airport buildings, with a few exceptions, are no smoking areas, as is much of the outdoor space around them. Desperate smokers can go outside, but you may have to cross a road to reach an area where smoking is allowed.

There are no free smoking lounges but some of the terminal restaurants have areas where customers may smoke.

• Terminal 3
  • ground side: Let's Chow in the 4th floor food court (toward the bridge to the hotel) has a smoking lounge, and decent food and prices.
  • air side: places near gates 119 and 134.

Sleep

While Terminal 3 has a lounge that provides sleeping facilities, Terminal 1 is also fitted with day rooms ( per 24 hours) for the use of passengers with long connections, located at the arrivals level beside Gate 16. Each room has a bed and a small table, although bathrooms are shared. Go to the Transfer Desk to reserve and pay for a day room.

Aside from the day rooms, there are also hotels around the airport complex:

• Belmont Hotel Manila, Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay (opposite Terminal 3, between Runway Manila and the Shrine of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus), 14.52111°, 121.01666°, +63 2 318-8888, info.manila@thebelmonthotels.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. One of two mid-range options among the four hotels in Newport City, it has standard rooms, deluxe rooms and suites. No free breakfast.
• Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, 1 Jasmine Drive, Newport City, Pasay (opposite Terminal 3, across from Resorts World Manila), 14.51798°, 121.01913°, +63 2 908-8600, info.hiexmanila.nc@rwmanila.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Formerly the Remington Hotel, it is the largest and cheapest of the four hotels in Newport City, equipped with standard and deluxe rooms. No free breakfast.
• Manila Airport Hotel, 99 PAL Drive, Airplane Village, Brgy. Vitalez, Parañaque (across from the Terminal 1 parking lot, beside KFC), 14.50877°, 121.00337°, +63 2 854-7549, +63 2 854-7550. The closest hotel to Terminals 1 and 2, it has regular rooms, and cottages around a pool. Free breakfast.
• Marriott Hotel Manila, 10 Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay (opposite Terminal 3, beside Maxims Hotel and Resorts World Manila), 14.52093°, 121.01856°, +63 2 988-9999. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. The Philippines' first Marriott Hotel, it is one of two mid-range options for hotels in Newport City. Rooms have a panoramic view of either the airport or the Villamor Golf Course, and the hotel has its own casino. No free breakfast.
• Maxims Hotel, 12 Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay (opposite Terminal 3, between Marriott Hotel Manila and Resorts World Manila), 14.51952°, 121.01875°, +63 2 908-8600, reservations@rwmanila.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. The most expensive hotel in Newport City and the first six-star hotel in the Philippines with 171 all-suite rooms which are all equipped with kitchens, bar facilities and a massage room, as well as individual in-room Wi-Fi and a personal butler. Unlike the Marriott, Belmont and Holiday Inn, there is free breakfast.

All five hotels around the airport perimeter have free shuttle service to bring guests to and from all four NAIA terminals. There are also other hotels in Pasay and Parañaque that are further away from the airport complex, but are still close, mostly in the area around SM Mall of Asia and Entertainment City Manila, the intersection of EDSA and Taft Avenue, and along Roxas Boulevard.

Nearby

Beside Terminal 3 is Villamor Airbase, the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force. While the base is generally off-limits to civilians (except dependants of Air Force personnel), two of its facilities are open to the public:

• Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum, Andrews Avenue cor. Sales Road, Pasay (beside Terminal 3, opposite the Maligayang Pagdating Rotonda), 14.51663°, 121.01927°, +63 2 854-6729. M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-noon. Founded in 1974 as the Marcos Museum, today it's a modern museum showing the history of the Philippine Air Force and Philippine military aviation, as well as general aerospace science. A collection of historic PAF aircraft is on display outside the museum in the Aircraft Park, including the now-retired F-5.
• Villamor Golf Club, 14.52498°, 121.02095°, +63 2 853-4977, +63 2 853-4988. Host to the Philippine Masters several times, it is a relatively flat course, but still challenging because of the trees, the terrain and the occasional strong wind. Some golfers claim it to be the best course in Metro Manila. / for locals, / for tourists (weekday/weekend)

Across from Villamor Airbase and opposite Terminal 3 is Newport City, a mixed-use development built on land that used to belong to the base. While a significant part of the development is residential, it is better known as the home of Resorts World Manila (dead link: March 2023), the Philippines' first casino-resort. Aside from a casino, Resorts World Manila also has a mall, a cinema, a performing arts theater and a popular nightclub.

Other areas close to the airport include Bay City in Pasay (home of the SM Mall of Asia) and Entertainment City Manila in Parañaque, built on land reclaimed from Manila Bay. Makati is also a reasonable distance from the airport, as are Taguig and the southern half of Manila, including Intramuros.