NAIA Terminal Guide 2026: Complete list of Airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airports

Flying in or out of the Philippines is easier when you know your terminal. Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as NAIA, has different terminals for different airlines and routes. Going to the wrong terminal can waste time, especially during peak travel hours, so always check your e-ticket before leaving for the airport.

What Is NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport)?

NAIA, or Ninoy Aquino International Airport, is the main airport serving Metro Manila and nearby provinces. It is located between Pasay and Parañaque City, around 7 kilometers from Makati and about 9 to 10 kilometers from Bonifacio Global City, depending on the route and traffic.

Here are a few quick things to know before flying to or from NAIA:

• NAIA has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4.
• Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 handle international flights.
• Terminal 2 mainly handles domestic flights.
• Terminal 3 handles Cebu Pacific and selected international airlines.
• Terminal 4 is under redevelopment, with new operations expected in 2026.

Knowing your NAIA terminal before your trip helps you avoid last-minute confusion, wrong drop-offs, and rushing between terminals.

NAIA Terminal 1: International Airlines

NAIA Terminal 1 mainly serves international flights. Many full-service and regional airlines use this terminal for flights between Manila and destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.

Airlines operating at Terminal 1:

• AirAsia Philippines (Z2)– International flights only
• AirAsia Malaysia (AK)
• Air India (AI)
• Air Niugini (PX)
• Asiana Airlines (OZ)
• China Airlines (CI)
• EVA Air (BR)
• IrAero Airline (IO)
• Korean Air (KE)
• Kuwait Airways (KU)
• Malaysia Airlines (MH)
• Oman Air (WY)
• Philippine Airlines (PR) – All international flights
• Royal Air (RW) - Selected international flights
• Saudia (SV)
• Xiamen Air (MF)
• Zipair (ZG)
• VietJet Air (VJ)

If you are flying internationally with Philippine Airlines, your flight usually uses Terminal 1. PAL domestic flights remain at Terminal 2.

Tip: Arrive early for international flights because check-in, immigration, and security lines can get long during holidays, weekends, and peak travel seasons.

NAIA Terminal 2: Domestic Flights

NAIA Terminal 2 mainly serves domestic flights. It is commonly used by Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, AirAsia Philippines domestic flights, and other selected local carriers.

Airlines that use Terminal 2 include:

• Philippine Airlines (PR) - Domestic flights
• PAL Express (2P)
• AirAsia Philippines (Z2) - Domestic flights
• AirSwift (T6)
• CebGo (DG)
• Sunlight Express (2R)
• Royal Air (RW) - Selected domestic flights

Terminal 2 used to handle some international flights, but Philippine Airlines international flights moved to Terminal 1 in 2023. Because of this, Terminal 2 is now mainly used for domestic operations.

Tip: If you are flying AirAsia, remember that domestic flights use Terminal 2, while international flights use Terminal 1. Always check your e-ticket before going to the airport.

NAIA Terminal 3: Cebu Pacific and Selected International Airlines

NAIA Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal at NAIA. It serves both domestic and international flights and is used by Cebu Pacific and several international airlines.

Terminal 3 has many food shops, cafés, convenience stores, lounges, and transport options. The Mezzanine Food Hall officially opened on October 20, 2025, giving passengers more dining choices before their flight.

Airlines operating at Terminal 3:

• Cebu Pacific (5J)
• Shenzhen Airlines (ZH)
• China Eastern (MU)
• Royal Brunei Airlines (BI)
• Air China (CA)
• Vietnam Airlines (VN)
• China Eastern (MU)
• Japan Airlines (JL)

Terminal 3 is also connected to Newport City through Runway Manila, which is useful if you are staying near Newport World Resorts or nearby airport hotels.

Tip: Arrive at least three hours before an international flight and about two hours before a domestic flight. Terminal 3 can get busy, especially during long weekends and holiday travel periods.

How to Transfer Between NAIA Terminals

NAIA terminals are not all connected inside one building, so transferring between terminals may take time. If you need to move from one terminal to another, plan extra time for traffic, airport security, and shuttle waiting time.

You can transfer by:

• Airport shuttle
• Grab or taxi
• Private airport transfer
• Hotel shuttle, if available

Tip: If you have a connecting flight, make sure your layover is long enough. A short connection can be risky if your next flight departs from another terminal.

Travel Tips for Filipino Flyers

Here are simple reminders to make your NAIA airport experience smoother:

1. Double-check your terminal
   Before booking a Grab or taxi, confirm your terminal on your e-ticket. Some drivers may assume “NAIA” means Terminal 3, so be clear when entering your destination.
2. Keep a copy of your e-ticket
   Have a digital or printed copy ready. Security staff may ask to see your flight details before allowing you to enter the terminal.
3. Arrive early
   For international flights, arrive about three hours before departure. For domestic flights, arrive about two hours before departure.
4. Bring small cash
   Some food stalls, parking areas, or transport services may not accept card or e-wallet payments. Keep small bills ready just in case.
5. Pack light and label your bags
   If you have a connecting flight, clear luggage tags can help you identify your bags faster and avoid mix-ups.
6. Check flight updates
   Always check your flight status before leaving home through your airline’s app, airport website, or Trip.com. This helps you catch any schedule or terminal changes.
7. Prepare your travel documents
   For international travel, check passport validity, visa rules, boarding requirements, and eTravel Philippines guidelines before your trip.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Airport Experience Easier

Knowing your NAIA terminal can help you save time, avoid confusion, and enjoy a smoother airport experience. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 handle international flights, while Terminal 2 mainly serves domestic flights. Terminal 4 is also part of NAIA’s ongoing improvement plans.

Before your trip, always check your flight details, prepare your documents, and leave early for the airport. If you are planning your next trip, visit Trip.com to compare flights, find Manila hotel deals, and manage your bookings in one place.