Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) rehabilitation comes with additional fees for consumers. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is taking over this September and it is time we are informed of these! Airfare might go up, as well as airport passenger fees.
Proposed revision to MIAA Administrative Order:
Passenger/Terminal Fee Increase:
DOMESTIC - P200 to P390
INTERNATIONAL - P550 to P950
“It is unacceptable that Filipinos using the airport will have to immediately pay higher fees even before seeing any improvement in the airport. Many Filipinos who use the airport are those who sacrifice to be away from their family to work abroad or [those] who were able to save a little to go on a short vacation to rest”
“Now that the government has chosen a concessionaire from the private sector, why is the capital expenses needed to fix the airport going to be advanced by passengers?”
The Naia upgrade project includes the rehabilitation of passenger terminals and airside facilities such as runway, aircraft parking area and airfield lighting, and the provision of facilities that will enable intermodal transfers at the terminal.
Kaya ba natin to?
The rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is a significant project that promises to improve the airport’s facilities and overall passenger experience. However, the involvement of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), set to take over in September, raises concerns among consumers due to the proposed additional fees.
Overview of Proposed Changes:
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has proposed a revision to its Administrative Order, which would lead to an increase in passenger or terminal fees:Domestic Flights: Current fees of P200 are proposed to increase to P390.
International Flights: Current fees of P550 are proposed to rise to P950.
Consumer Concerns:
The primary concern is that these increased fees are set to be imposed on passengers immediately, even before any visible improvements to the airport infrastructure have been made. This has sparked criticism, especially given the socio-economic profile of many travelers:
OFWs and Budget Travelers:
Many Filipinos using NAIA are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who endure long periods away from their families to work abroad. They view this fee increase as an additional burden. Similarly, local tourists who have saved up for a short vacation might feel the pinch of these higher costs.
Fairness of Cost Allocation:
Fairness of Cost Allocation:
There is a growing sentiment that it is unfair for passengers to bear the brunt of the airport’s capital expenditures. The question being raised is why the financial burden of upgrading NAIA should be passed on to consumers rather than being absorbed by the concessionaire or through other funding mechanisms.
Scope of the NAIA Rehabilitation:
The upgrade project, which SMC will oversee, includes several key components aimed at modernizing NAIA:Passenger Terminals:
Airside Facilities:
Intermodal Transfer Facilities:
Scope of the NAIA Rehabilitation:
The upgrade project, which SMC will oversee, includes several key components aimed at modernizing NAIA:Passenger Terminals:
Rehabilitation efforts will focus on enhancing the existing passenger terminals to improve comfort and efficiency.
Airside Facilities:
This involves the refurbishment of runways, aircraft parking areas, and the installation of upgraded airfield lighting, all of which are critical for the airport’s operations.
Intermodal Transfer Facilities:
New facilities are planned to enable seamless intermodal transfers, allowing passengers to switch between different modes of transportation more easily.
The Public Debate:
As this project moves forward, the debate centers around whether these improvements justify the immediate financial impact on passengers. While the long-term benefits of a modernized airport are clear, the short-term burden on consumers raises important questions about the fairness and timing of these fee increases. The broader issue is whether the costs associated with national infrastructure projects should be passed on to consumers, especially in a country where many people are already financially stretched.
The public is now questioning if they are ready and able to absorb these new costs, especially without seeing immediate improvements in return. This situation calls for transparency from the government and SMC about the timeline for these enhancements and whether alternative funding options were considered.
When will fees apply?
Any budget alternatives?
The Public Debate:
As this project moves forward, the debate centers around whether these improvements justify the immediate financial impact on passengers. While the long-term benefits of a modernized airport are clear, the short-term burden on consumers raises important questions about the fairness and timing of these fee increases. The broader issue is whether the costs associated with national infrastructure projects should be passed on to consumers, especially in a country where many people are already financially stretched.
The public is now questioning if they are ready and able to absorb these new costs, especially without seeing immediate improvements in return. This situation calls for transparency from the government and SMC about the timeline for these enhancements and whether alternative funding options were considered.
When will fees apply?
Any budget alternatives?
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
Post a Comment