Manila’s outdated and often derided airport could get a much needed multi-billion dollar make-over after the Philippines government announced it is considering attracting foreign investment.
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said foreign companies could be invited to bid for contracts worth an estimated US$2 billion to upgrade facilities.
It could also involve the building of a new terminal.
Many airlines have struggled to get convenient landing slots at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in recent years due to overcrowding.
"We’re almost at full capacity in NAIA," Abaya said.
The airport currently handles about 35 million travellers which is projected to rise to 51.4 million passengers a year by 2037.
The president is in agreement on how important this project would be, given the growing economy. We’ll leave it to the concessionaire to provide solutions, whether through technology, added equipment, rapid exit taxiways or an additional terminal," Abaya said.
The minister said work could begin in 2017.
