LOW-COST carrier Philippines AirAsia, Inc. on Monday said it anticipates to exceed the 235,000 passengers expected to depart and arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4 (T4) in the first two months of the resumption of the terminal’s operations, citing the Holy Week and summer exodus.
“Around 235,000 AirAsia Philippines guests are expected to depart and arrive at NAIA T4,” the low-cost airline said in an e-mailed statement on Monday.
The airline also “anticipates this figure to increase given the Holy Week and summer exodus which starts next week,” it added.
The return of domestic operations to NAIA Terminal 4, which was closed for two years due to the pandemic, is “a strategic move in managing the expected influx of passengers at Terminal 3 in the coming months,” according to Ricardo P. Isla, Philippines AirAsia chief executive officer.
“This will optimize overall airline operations from check-in to boarding, helping airlines to significantly improve on-time performance,” he added.
All Philippines AirAsia domestic flights to and from Manila will now operate at NAIA Terminal 4, while all its international flights will remain at NAIA Terminal 3.
Mr. Isla said the airline has been preparing for months to handle increased passenger volume.
“Foot traffic of passengers at T4 is expected to benefit not only the local industries of their destination, but also small and medium enterprises around T4 such as restaurants, convenience stores and travel & tour agencies,” the company said. — Arjay L. Balinbin