Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL / NAIA), or Manila International Airport, will transfer all its turboprop operations to secondary airports outside the capital city.
The airport will start the move from March 30, 2025, following an order from the Manila Slot Coordination Committee (MSCC) in order to ease congestion at the airport, which is often ranked as one of the worst in the world.
The committee, which is composed of various government bodies including the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aeronautics Board, said the move will “efficiently and safely maximize the operations at the NAIA.”
Around 30% of turboprop flights out of Manila will be moved to Clark International Airport (CRK), located about 100 kilometers north of Metro Manila.
Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced on January 23, 2025, that its Manila to Siargao Airport (IAO) flights with its regional airline Cebgo, will be moved to CRK Airport effective March 30, 2025
The low-cost carrier said direct services from Manila to Surigao will be cancelled and passengers will have the option to connect via Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB).
“CEB recognizes the importance of managing airport capacity effectively, which will lead to improved passenger experience and greater public convenience,” Cebu Pacific said in a statement sent to AeroTime.
PAL Express, Philippine Airlines’ regional carrier, has also been affected, as it also utilizes turboprop planes for smaller island destinations. The Philippine flag carrier has yet to release a statement regarding the mandated transfer.
All-turboprop fleet carriers will have one year from March 2025 to implement the transfer. This includes Sunlight Air, Island Aviation, and Air Swift, among others.
