The New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), the private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has justified its decision to increase the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) to ₱950 ($16.60), up from the current ₱550 ($9.60)—a 72% hike set to take effect in September 2025.

According to NNIC, the increase is essential to support ongoing airport modernization efforts and to enhance overall passenger experience. The company emphasized that the revised rate is in line with international standards and remains competitive compared to other major Asian airports.

The move, however, has drawn criticism from consumer groups and travelers, with some expressing concern over the impact on local and regional passengers. NNIC clarified that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will remain exempt from paying the international PSC, as stipulated under existing regulations.

In a statement, NNIC underscored that the PSC adjustment is mandated by the government and marks the first such increase in over two decades. The firm further noted that the decision to implement a public-private partnership (PPP) for NAIA’s operation was made by the government, with the goal of leveraging private-sector funding, expertise, and technology to modernize the country’s busiest airport without relying on taxpayer money.

Since assuming control of NAIA in September 2024, NNIC has recorded over 50 million passengers—a figure far exceeding Cebu’s 11.3 million, the second-busiest airport in the country—underscoring the urgent need for upgrades. Despite its large passenger volume, NAIA's current PSC remains the lowest among major airports in the Philippines and among the most affordable in Asia.

NNIC also noted that the PSC is charged only to departing passengers and only once per journey. Even after the adjustment in 2025, the rate for both domestic and international departures will remain below inflation.

Ongoing Modernization Efforts

NNIC stated that all revenues from PSC collections are reinvested directly into airport operations and service improvements. Since the company took over, enhancements have included:

• Renovated restrooms

• New air-conditioning systems

• Restored elevators and escalators

• New gang chairs and additional baggage trolleys

• Improved Wi-Fi and upgraded CCTV systems

• Expanded curbside lanes and centralized TNVS hub

• A dedicated OFW lounge with rest areas

• Automated parking systems

• Additional shuttle buses and ambulances

A biometric passenger processing system is also scheduled to launch by September 2025.

Preparatory work for Terminals 4 and 5 is currently underway, with the aim of significantly expanding the airport’s capacity. Efforts to clear surrounding waterways are also ongoing, as part of broader flood mitigation and safety measures.

Returning  “balikbayans” or former Filipinos may enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for a period of one(1) year provided they have a passport valid for 6 months beyond intended stay in the Philippines, a roundtrip ticket and can present proof of former Philippine citizenship (e.g. old passport, birth certificate).

Foreign spouses and children who are traveling with the Balikbayan are included in the privilege. Nationals of countries which have diplomatic relations with the Philippines are generally allowed entry into the country without a visa for a stay of 30 days or less, provided the nature of the trip is for tourism, they are holders of round trip or outbound airline ticket and their passports are valid for six (6) months beyond the intended stay in the Philippines.

U.S. and Canadian passport holders are covered by this rule. (For other nationalities, please check with the Philippine Consulate General.)

In accordance with the directive issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), the One Health Pass has been officially replaced with the Electronic Arrival Card, also referred to as eTravel.

 

All travelers are strongly advised to complete the eTravel registration within 72 hours prior to departure from their port of embarkation to avoid any inconvenience upon arrival.

 

Registration is completely free of charge, and travelers should be aware that no payments are required or collected online. Caution is advised against fraudulent or scam websites and entities that falsely request payment.

 

To register for the Electronic Arrival Card, travelers may visit the official Philippine Travel Information System by clicking the following link: Philippine Travel Information System

Exciting News for the Filipino Community: T’way Air Launches Vancouver Flights This July! 

Get ready, kababayan! Starting July 12, South Korea’s T’way Air is taking to the skies and bringing even more travel options to North America with the launch of four weekly flights between Seoul Incheon and Vancouver on the spacious Airbus A330-300!

 

This is a big win for our community, especially for Filipinos with family and friends in both Korea and Canada. With around 2,700 new seats added weekly, this route opens up more opportunities for affordable travel and easy connections — whether you're visiting loved ones, exploring new destinations, or flying for business.

 

T’way’s move marks an exciting step in its global expansion, building on its recent European success. This launch also heats up competition on a route long dominated by major carriers like Air Canada and Korean Air — which could mean better fares for everyone!

 

Let’s celebrate this milestone and look forward to more affordable, convenient travel across the Pacific. 

 

T’way Air — connecting cultures, families, and dreams. Tara na! 

Exciting News for the Filipino Community!
 

Air Canada is launching non-stop flights between Vancouver and Manila starting April 2, 2025 — four times a week, all year round!

 

This marks Air Canada’s first-ever route to the Philippines, making travel easier for Filipino families, tourists, and business travelers. With convenient connections across North America via Vancouver, reaching loved ones or exploring Canada just got a whole lot easier!

 

The flights will be operated on the comfortable Dreamliner, with options for Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy.
 

Get ready, kababayans — Manila is officially on Air Canada's map!

URGENT ADVISORY TO THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE UNITED STATES

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. has received alarming reports of false and misleading information circulating on social media, causing unnecessary panic and confusion among Filipinos in the United States.

 

We emphasize in the strongest terms: the U.S. government has made NO changes to policies affecting dual citizens or lawful permanent residents.

 

We urge all members of the Filipino community to:

• Verify all information through official government channels;

• Immediately stop sharing unverified or misleading content;

• Report false posts to the platform on which they appear.

 

Do not, under any circumstances, make irreversible legal decisions—such as renouncing your Philippine citizenship—based on unverified social media content. Such actions carry permanent consequences and should only be made with full legal guidance and accurate information.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the nearest Philippine Consulate without delay.

 

Your vigilance is essential. Let us work together to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Philippines Expresses Concern Over Escalating Tensions in the Middle East

 

MANILA, 14 June 2025 – The Philippine government has expressed grave concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East following Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran.

 

Emphasizing the safety and welfare of all people in the region, including overseas Filipinos, the Philippines calls on all parties involved to exercise restraint, deescalate tensions, and pursue peaceful solutions.

 

Philippine embassies across the region remain on alert and are prepared to assist Filipinos within their respective jurisdictions. As of this time, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has received no reports of any Filipino nationals being harmed or affected by the ongoing developments.

Philippine Consulate General Announces Updated Visa-Free Entry Policies for Indian Nationals

 

Effective 8 June 2025, Indian nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa under the following conditions:

• 14-day visa-free entry for tourism is allowed with a valid passport (at least 6 months beyond stay), confirmed hotel booking, proof of financial capacity, and a return or onward ticket. This stay is non-extendible and non-convertible.

• 30-day visa-free entry is granted to Indian nationals holding valid and current AJACSSUK visas or residence permits (U.S., Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, Singapore, or U.K.), with the same passport and return ticket requirements. This stay is also non-extendible.

These privileges are available at any Philippine port of entry. Indian nationals must have no derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration.

For long-term stays, transit, or non-tourism purposes, Indian nationals must secure the appropriate visa from a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin or legal residence.