NAIA Terminal 1, PH: Your Ultimate Survival Guide

If you are flying to or from Manila on an international ticket, there is a good chance you will pass through Terminal 1 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Terminal 1 is the airport’s original international gateway, and in 2026 it has quietly become one of the most interesting corners of NAIA: new airlines moved in, others moved out, and a wave of upgrades has changed how arrivals and departures feel.

This guide walks you through everything a traveler needs to know. You will find a quick history, the current list of airlines, a plain-language map of the building, transport options, step-by-step survival guides for both departures and arrivals, food and lounge info, and a stack of insider tips. Think of it as the briefing a well-traveled friend would give you at the curb.

One note before we start: NAIA changes quickly, and terminal assignments change fastest of all. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before you leave home.

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Quick Facts at a Glance

Item	Detail
Opened	1981
Designed by	National Artist Leandro Locsin
Floor area	104,708 sqm
Original capacity	About 4.5 million passengers a year, later renovated for up to 6.5 million
Flights	International only
Operator	New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), since September 14, 2024
Airlines assigned	17 carriers listed as of March 31, 2026
Lounges	Mabuhay, OFW, PAGSS Premium and marhaba
Parking	Parking B (closer) and Parking C (longer walk)

Figures come from Better NAIA and PhilSTAR Life.

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A Quick History of Terminal 1

Terminal 1 opened in 1981 and was designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin. It was planned for about 4.5 million passengers a year, hit that number as early as 1991, and was later renovated to handle up to 6.5 million, according to Better NAIA’s terminal profile. For years it carried most of the airport’s international traffic, which is why older travelers remember it as crowded. The building also sits close to a defining chapter of Philippine history: it was on this airport’s tarmac that Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was assassinated in 1983, and the airport carries his name today.

The airport’s management changed in 2024. On September 14, 2024, the San Miguel-led consortium New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) took over operations and maintenance under a 15-year concession that can be extended by 10 years. NNIC’s stated goal is to raise NAIA’s annual capacity from 35 million to 62 million passengers, and the airport recorded more than 50 million passengers in 2024, well above its original design capacity.

You can see the changes at Terminal 1 in small, practical ways: more seating, more frequent cleaning, biometric immigration e-gates, and a reworked arrivals area. Terminal 1 is also one of only two international terminals at NAIA today, together with Terminal 3. Terminal 2 now operates as a domestic-only terminal, and the old Terminal 4 has been closed for redevelopment, as The Daily Tribune reported.

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Airlines at Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is international-only, and Philippine Airlines (PAL) is its anchor tenant. Based on PhilSTAR Life’s March 31, 2026 rundown of NNIC’s terminal assignments, these carriers are assigned to Terminal 1:

Airline	Code	Home country
Philippine Airlines	PR	Philippines
AirAsia Philippines	Z2	Philippines
AirAsia Berhad	AK	Malaysia
Malaysia Airlines	MH	Malaysia
Korean Air	KE	South Korea
Asiana Airlines	OZ	South Korea
EVA Air	BR	Taiwan
China Airlines	CI	Taiwan
Xiamen Air	MF	China
VietJet Air	VJ	Vietnam
Air India	AI	India
Oman Air	WY	Oman
Saudia	SV	Saudi Arabia
Kuwait Airways	KU	Kuwait
Air Niugini	PX	Papua New Guinea
IrAero	IO	Russia
Royal Air	RW	Philippines

Lists from different sources vary slightly for smaller carriers, so treat this as a strong starting point, not a guarantee.

What changed in 2026

On March 29, 2026, AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Berhad moved all international flights from Terminal 3 into Terminal 1, affecting 10 international routes plus the Manila-Kuala Lumpur service. AirAsia said only the terminal changed, not the schedule, and its domestic flights stay at Terminal 2. On the same date, Air China, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines moved out of Terminal 1 to Terminal 3, and Japan Airlines followed on April 1.

Airlines you might assume are at Terminal 1 (but are not)

This is the mistake that costs travelers the most time. The PhilSTAR list places Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM, ANA, Qantas, United, Air Canada and Cebu Pacific at Terminal 3, along with the carriers that moved in March. If your airline is not in the table above, it is not at Terminal 1.

Before you leave home, check the airline directory on NNIC’s official site and your airline’s latest advisory.

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The Layout of Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is a single, multi-level building, and its flow is refreshingly simple: arrivals on the lower level, departures above, and the airside gate areas split into an east side and a west side. It is also a standalone building. There is no walkway, train or airside corridor to the other NAIA terminals, as Better NAIA’s transfer guide points out, so anything you need must be reachable inside the building you are in.

Arrivals level (Level 1)

After immigration, baggage claim and customs, arriving passengers step out through the main arrival hall. In front of Terminal 1, the curb is organized into lettered zones. Arrivals Curbside C, for example, has a Chowking that is open 24 hours and a Kenny Rogers branch, according to Better NAIA’s dining directory.

The biggest recent change is the arrivals extension, which opened on February 9, 2026. The ramp slope was reduced from 8% to 4%, the floor now has anti-slip rubber matting, and there is a centralized taxi and ride-hailing hub plus a dedicated area for meeters and greeters. PEP.ph also noted brighter lighting, better signage and organized pick-up bays.

Departures level (Level 3)

Check-in happens upstairs in the departures lobby on the east side of Terminal 1. This landside area is open to the public, so family members seeing you off can wait here. Jollibee and Master Siomai are both listed as open 24 hours in the lobby. Check-in counters are grouped by airline, and Philippine Airlines’ international counters are in the departure hall, as Trip.com’s PAL guide describes.

After you drop your bags, you clear immigration and security before entering the gate area.

Airside: east, west and the gates

Beyond immigration, the airside zone stretches across an East Side and a West Side, with a West Concourse running along the boarding gates (around Gate 15). Better NAIA’s directory lists cafés and quick meals in each area, including coffee shops open around the clock. Some gates have charging stations, so look for them before you settle into a seat.

The airside lounges are also tucked into this zone: the Mabuhay Lounge for Philippine Airlines business class and top-tier members, the OFW Lounge for departing overseas Filipino workers, plus the PAGSS Premium and marhaba lounges, which accept selected cards, passes and partner-airline tickets. You will find the details in the lounge section below.

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Getting to and from Terminal 1

No train reaches NAIA, so every route to the airport is a road route. Whatever you choose, tell your driver “NAIA Terminal 1” rather than just “NAIA.” Many drivers assume the name means Terminal 3, and the mix-up can cost you a long, traffic-clogged detour. Prices and schedules below come from Better NAIA’s transport guide, last updated May 19, 2026, so treat them as estimates.

Grab and ride-hailing: the easy default

For most travelers, especially first-timers, people with luggage and anyone arriving late at night, Grab is the least stressful choice. At Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, multiple Grab pickup bays line the curb outside the Arrivals level, so match the bay number shown in your app and check the license plate before you hop in. Typical fares:

Destination	Typical Grab fare
One Ayala / Makati	₱200–₱300
PITX	₱220–₱320
Mall of Asia	₱250–₱350
Bonifacio Global City	₱280–₱380

Taxis, buses and trains

Airport taxis come in two kinds: fixed-fare coupon taxis and yellow metered taxis. Use only the official queue and make sure you receive a dispatch slip, because NAIA has a long history of taxi scams. Treat taxis as your last resort.

Buses are cheaper but less flexible. UBE Express runs point-to-point routes (PITX and Victory Liner Pasay are both listed at ₱150), but most departures leave from Terminal 3. The UBE Express NAIA Loop, which runs from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM, links the other terminals to Terminal 3 for those connections.

There is no direct rail link. Light travelers can take a short ride to Taft Avenue station (MRT-3 and LRT-1) or Magallanes (MRT-3). Motorcycle taxis are not allowed into the arrivals pickup areas, so you would have to walk out of the airport complex to find one.

Driving and parking

Terminal 1 has two main outdoor lots, according to Better NAIA’s parking guide. Parking B is on the right side of the terminal when facing it, just before the Arrivals curb, and is the better pick with luggage. Parking C runs along PASCOR Drive and is a longer walk. Rates are the same across NAIA: ₱56 for the first two hours, ₱25 for each additional hour, and ₱1,200 for 24 hours. Verified passengers can get 50% off the overnight rate after validation, so keep your boarding pass handy. You cannot reserve a space, so check the live counts on NNIC’s parking page before you leave.

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Departure Survival Guide for Terminal 1

Most departure stress at Terminal 1 comes from paperwork, not queues. Settle the paperwork at home and the airport becomes a straightforward walk from curb to gate.

Before you leave home

1. Confirm your terminal. Check the airline table above to make sure your carrier operates from Terminal 1, then look for any last-minute advisory from the airline.
2. File eTravel. The declaration is free, must be submitted within 72 hours of your flight, and is required for Filipino citizens flying out as well as arriving passengers. Screenshot the QR code so you can show it without a signal, and use only the official site, as Better NAIA’s eTravel guide warns.
3. Sort out travel tax. If it applies to you, the full economy rate is ₱1,620 and the first-class rate is ₱2,700, per Better NAIA’s travel tax guide. Check your airline receipt first, because some airlines already collect it, and paying twice means a refund request later. TIEZA counters near check-in accept payment if you still owe.
4. Know the terminal fee. Since September 14, 2025, the international terminal fee is ₱950, up from ₱550. It is normally built into your ticket price, and OFWs are exempt.
5. Check in online if your airline offers it. It can save you real time at the counter.

At the airport, step by step

1. Arrive early. Many airlines ask international passengers to arrive about three hours before departure, and counters close well before takeoff. Confirm your airline’s own cutoff, and add a buffer for traffic on the way to Terminal 1.
2. Go to the departures lobby. Terminal 1’s check-in area is upstairs. Keep your passport and booking confirmation within easy reach.
3. Check in and drop your bags at your airline’s counters. If you still owe travel tax, pay at the TIEZA counter before you queue.
4. Clear immigration and security. Biometric e-gates have been rolled out at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 to speed up processing, but eligibility depends on your documents. Remove liquids and laptops as instructed, and keep your boarding pass out.
5. Head to your gate first, then relax. Once you are airside, find your gate before you shop or eat. Gates can change, so keep one eye on the flight screens.

The key habit: never assume a long queue means you have time. Finish each step, then reward yourself with coffee.

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Arrival Survival Guide for Terminal 1

Arriving is usually quicker than departing, and the arrivals area has had the biggest glow-up. Here is the path from aircraft door to taxi seat, in order.

1. Prepare before you land. Submit your free eTravel declaration within 72 hours of your flight and keep the QR code on your phone. Arriving passengers must complete it before clearing immigration, according to Better NAIA’s eTravel guide. Have your passport, onward ticket and accommodation details ready too.
2. Walk to immigration. When you land at Terminal 1, follow the signs straight to the immigration counters. Biometric e-gates at Terminal 1 are now operating, and the e-gates at Terminal 3 clear eligible passengers in about 20 seconds using facial recognition. If you are not eligible, use the manual counters and answer the officer’s questions simply and honestly.
3. Collect your bags. Check the screens above the carousels for your flight number. The operator says it has deployed 2,500 new luggage trolleys across NAIA.
4. Clear customs. Declare anything you are required to declare, and keep your baggage tags handy.
5. Sort your SIM and cash before you leave the building. SIM card booths, banks offering currency exchange and ATMs are located after the customs exit. Once you exit the arrivals area, you cannot walk back in, so finish these errands first. Airport exchange rates are rarely the best, so change only what you need for the ride into the city.
6. Step out and pick your ride. After stepping out of Terminal 1, look for the centralized taxi and ride-hailing hub in the new arrivals extension, which also has a dedicated area for people waiting to meet passengers. If you booked a Grab, match the bay number in the app with the signs before you walk over.

For overseas Filipino workers who need help on arrival, the OWWA Airport Arrival Assistance Desk is located after customs at the arrival area at both international terminals.

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Food, Lounges and Wi-Fi

Waiting is easier when you know where to wait. At Terminal 1, the best food strategy is simple: grab Filipino fast food before you check in, and save the cafés and bakeries for the airside zone.

Where to eat

Before security, the departures lobby has Jollibee and Master Siomai, and the arrivals curb has Chowking and Kenny Rogers, all listed in Better NAIA’s dining directory. Past immigration, you will find Starbucks, Subway, Piazza Café & Bar, Caffe Xpress, Ka Tunying’s Cafe, Bánh Mì Kitchen, Le Amoretto and Little Flour, among others. Many are open around the clock, though Casa Daza (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and Nono’s Comfort Kitchen & Bakery (7:00 AM to 10:00 PM) keep shorter hours.

Lounges

Here is who can walk in, based on Better NAIA’s lounge guide:

Lounge	Who gets in
Mabuhay Lounge	Philippine Airlines business class and top-tier Mabuhay Miles members
OFW Lounge	Departing overseas Filipino workers with an OEC or e-card; free
PAGSS Premium Lounge	Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey, Mastercard Travel Pass, many Philippine bank cards, plus business class on EVA Air, China Airlines and Kuwait Airways
marhaba Lounge	Priority Pass, DragonPass, many Philippine bank cards, plus business class on Asiana, EVA Air, Malaysia Airlines and Saudia

One change to note: A Lounge closed its branch at Terminal 1 after September 30, 2026, so check older lounge lists before relying on them. PAL has also advised that construction noise may occasionally be heard in its Mabuhay Lounge here during ongoing airport works (advisory dated October 6, 2026).

Comfort basics

According to NNIC, over 400 extra seats were installed at Terminal 1 ahead of the 2025 holiday season, and the airport now advertises airport-wide high-speed Wi-Fi, upgraded air conditioning and more frequent cleaning.

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Insider Tips and Common Mistakes at Terminal 1

These are the small habits that separate a smooth airport day from a stressful one.

• Re-check your terminal, even if you have flown from here before. Terminal assignments changed in March and April 2026, so an old confirmation email or a saved map pin may point to the wrong building. Airlines that many travelers still think of as Terminal 1 residents, such as Japan Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Air China, now operate from Terminal 3.
• Check live traffic before you leave. Better NAIA publishes live speeds on the roads into each terminal, which helps you tell an ordinary evening from a gridlocked one.
• Save everything offline. Screenshot your eTravel QR code, boarding pass and hotel address in case your signal drops in a crowded hall.
• Charge early and carry a power bank. Some gates have charging stations, but outlets in cafés and seating areas are limited.
• Use the official taxi queue only. Take the dispatch slip, note the plate number, and ignore anyone who approaches you inside or outside the building. When in doubt, a Grab booking shows the fare up front.
• Meet arriving passengers in the designated area. The arrivals extension includes a dedicated meeters-and-greeters zone. Skip shortcuts: on October 7, 2026, a man was arrested after climbing a perimeter fence onto the airfield while trying to reach his OFW wife, and the operator plans to file charges.
• OFWs, use the perks you are entitled to. The OFW Lounge at Terminal 1 offers free meals, Wi-Fi and rest areas, OFWs are exempt from the international terminal fee, and OWWA staff can assist after customs.
• Plan for weather. Heavy rain and typhoons can disrupt roads and flights alike. NNIC says it has been clearing waterways around the airport to reduce flooding risk, but you should still leave extra time and watch your airline’s advisories.
• Do not trust old lounge lists. Lounge access changes quickly. Confirm your card or ticket works at the lounge you plan to visit, and remember that A Lounge has closed.
• Go to official sources for updates. NNIC’s site at newnaia.com.ph and your airline’s own advisories beat social media rumors, and only the official eTravel site is free.

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Transfers and Connecting Flights

NAIA’s terminals have no airside link, so a connection means leaving the secure area and going through the process again. If you are connecting from Terminal 1 to another terminal on two international flights, you clear immigration, collect your bags, clear customs, ride a bus, then check in and clear security and outbound immigration again, as Better NAIA’s terminal-transfer guide explains. Budget an hour or more on top of the ride itself.

Two buses help. The free NAIA Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus is for passengers with an onward boarding pass or ticket and departs hourly from the Arrivals level. The UBE Express NAIA Loop is open to anyone and runs from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM. PAL also runs dedicated transfer buses for domestic-international connections, so ask its ground crew on arrival.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a domestic or international terminal? International only. Terminal 2 handles domestic flights for PAL and several regional carriers, while Cebu Pacific is listed at Terminal 3.

How early should I arrive? Many airlines suggest roughly three hours before an international departure, but your airline’s own check-in cutoff is the number that matters. Add extra time for Manila traffic.

Is there a train to the airport? No. NAIA has no rail link, so your options are Grab, taxis, buses and private transfers.

Can I walk to another terminal? No. The terminals are not connected by walkways or airside corridors. Use the free inter-terminal shuttle (with an onward ticket) or the UBE Express NAIA Loop.

Where do I pay travel tax? Online through TIEZA’s payment system, which needs no account, or at the TIEZA counters near check-in. Check your airline receipt first to avoid paying twice.

Do I need eTravel? Most international passengers do, including Filipino citizens leaving the country. It is free and should be submitted within 72 hours of your flight.

Is there free Wi-Fi? NNIC says airport-wide high-speed Wi-Fi has been rolled out, and the OFW Lounge also lists Wi-Fi among its amenities.

Who can use the OFW Lounge? Departing overseas Filipino workers with an OEC or e-card can use it for free, and it is open 24 hours.

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Final Thoughts

Terminal 1 is a terminal in transition: new e-gates, a refreshed arrivals area, an OFW lounge, and an airline lineup that looks different from a year ago. The fundamentals still decide how your day goes. Confirm your terminal, finish eTravel and travel tax early, leave extra time for Manila traffic, and stick to official queues and apps. Do those four things and most of the usual airport stress disappears.

NAIA is changing quickly, and everything here reflects what was published as of October 14, 2026, so double-check anything time-sensitive with your airline or NNIC before you go. Safe travels, and enjoy the coffee on the way.

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References and Sources

Information is current as of October 14, 2026. Terminal assignments, fees, lounges and schedules change often, so verify time-sensitive details with NNIC and your airline. Better NAIA is an independent, community-run site rather than an official one.

Operator and Airline Sources

• Airlines at NAIA | Terminals & Contact Details, New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC)
• Parking at NAIA, NNIC live parking availability
• Construction Works Near the NAIA Terminal 1 Mabuhay Lounge, Philippine Airlines travel advisory, October 6, 2026

News Coverage

• LIST: NAIA terminal reassignments you should know about, PhilSTAR Life, March 31, 2026
• Manila airport reshuffles terminals at the end of 1Q26, ch-aviation, 2026
• AirAsia moving all int’l flights to Naia Terminal 1, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2026
• Naia transformation gets off the ground, Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 14, 2024
• NAIA biometric e-gates to begin rollout in December 2025, GMA News
• NNIC gears up for holiday season, Daily Tribune, December 10, 2025
• LOOK: NAIA to open its upgraded Terminal 1 Arrivals Extension, PhilSTAR Life, 2026
• LOOK: NAIA Terminal 1 arrivals bay just got a huge makeover, PEP.ph, February 24, 2026
• Higher terminal fees take effect at Manila’s main airport, BusinessWorld, September 15, 2025
• Manila airport hikes terminal fee: How much, what about OFWs?, Gulf News, 2025
• A Lounge at NAIA Terminal 1 to close permanently, PhilSTAR Life, September 30, 2026
• New OFW transit lounge opens at NAIA Terminal 3, The Manila Times, October 12, 2026
• Man arrested after breaching NAIA security to reunite with OFW wife, The Manila Times, October 9, 2026

Independent Travel Guides

• NAIA Terminal 1 guide: arrivals, departures, food, parking, Better NAIA
• Restaurants at NAIA Terminal 1 – Food before and after security, Better NAIA
• Lounges in Manila, Better NAIA, May 2026
• Getting to and from NAIA, Better NAIA, May 19, 2026
• NAIA Parking, Better NAIA, May 5, 2026
• Moving Between Manila’s NAIA Terminals, Better NAIA, May 15, 2026
• eTravel, Better NAIA, May 5, 2026
• Philippine Travel Tax, Better NAIA, May 5, 2026
• Traffic into NAIA, Better NAIA live road speeds
• Philippine Airlines Terminal in NAIA: Guide for International and Domestic Flights, Trip.com
• Arrival in Manila, APNIC 55 conference travel information

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