MANILA — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will be spared from upcoming hikes in passenger service charges (PSC) and other fees at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the airport operator said Wednesday, countering claims that the rate increases would burden the nation’s “modern-day heroes.”
New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), which manages the country’s main gateway, announced that OFWs will retain their exemption from terminal fees under the revised framework. The move comes as PSC for international travel is set to rise from PHP550 to PHP950, and domestic flight fees will jump from PHP200 to PHP390 starting next month — the first such increase in over two decades.
“Their exemption from terminal fees continues under the new framework,” NNIC said in a statement, emphasizing recognition of OFWs’ sacrifices and economic contributions. “Collections from the adjusted rates will directly fund airport operations and passenger service improvements.”
The fee hikes were mandated by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) under Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2024, and approved by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Cabinet, NNIC noted. The Asian Development Bank (ADB), serving as the government’s adviser, also reviewed the rates to ensure reasonableness.
NNIC, led by San Miguel Corp., assumed control of NAIA operations in September 2024. Since then, the consortium has rolled out upgrades including renovated restrooms, new air-conditioning systems, restored elevators and escalators, additional baggage trolleys, enhanced Wi-Fi, and expanded CCTV coverage. Other enhancements include a centralized ride-hailing hub, an OFW lounge with rest areas, automated parking, a dignitaries’ lounge, more shuttle buses and ambulances, and new employee cafeterias.
A biometric passenger processing system is slated to launch next month, further streamlining travel.
NNIC stressed that the adjusted PSC rates remain below inflation-adjusted values — PHP1,300 to PHP1,400 for international and PHP480 to PHP520 for domestic — if fees had kept pace since 2000. The increases, it said, are not arbitrary but necessary to sustain ongoing improvements.
The announcement aims to reassure OFWs, who send billions of dollars in remittances annually, that their travel costs will not rise despite broader fee adjustments for other passengers.
