Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Photo: Shutterstock The Department of Transportation of the Philippines (DOTr) announced that the construction of the main terminal building of the new Manila International Airport (NMIA) will commence in 2026, as part of an ambitious plan to upgrade national infrastructure and reduce congestion at the existing Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The official announcement by the Philippine aviation authority confirmed that the construction of the new airport in north Manila will begin within less than two years.
This is a significant transportation project that will not only replace the existing NAIA airport but also position the Philippines as a key player on the Asian aviation map. With a planned capacity of up to 100 million passengers per year, this is one of the most ambitious and intriguing projects in the aviation industry.
The airport is being established in the Bulacan area, about 35 kilometers north of the capital Manila, and is part of a broader national initiative for aviation and economic development.
This is a massive project that began several years ago with groundwork and preparation in the coastal area of Manila Bay.
According to the authorities' announcement, about 80% of the groundwork has already been completed, mainly in the area of piling along the coastline. An additional 33 million cubic meters of sand will be required to complete the reclamation and preparation stage by the end of 2025 – at which point construction of the terminal itself is expected to begin.
A New Transportation Hub for the Region
The new airport is expected to change the aviation landscape of the Philippines – and even impact the entire region. According to the plans, it will be able to accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually and will be equipped with four runways, advanced connecting bridges, modern terminals, and complementary marine and transportation infrastructure.
Currently, Ninoy Aquino Airport is considered one of the busiest in Asia, with the number of passengers far exceeding its original capacity. NMIA is intended to serve as a convenient, fast, and modern alternative, making the country a central transit point between East Asia and the Pacific region.
If everything proceeds as planned – opening in three years
The Department of Transportation emphasized that the stated target is a full opening for commercial operations by 2028, subject to construction progress and adherence to timelines. Meanwhile, an expansion of access infrastructure is planned, including highways, railways, and integrated transportation hubs.
The project is managed by San Miguel Corporation – one of the largest business groups in the country – in collaboration with local aviation authorities.