The Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, better known as NAIA 3 to the world, has finally opened recently after having been a topic of government controversy for years. Last Friday, I had the chance to step on NAIA 3 grounds on my flight to Cebu City. Here, I share some of my observations.
Spacious, functional and busy, airports are where first impressions about a paticularly country are formed, or so most people thought. Perhaps, that is the reason why airports are well-maintained and regularly upgraded in most countries. Apparently, an airport sends a strong message to the world about a particular country's economy. More so, it tells a lot about that country's people and where they stand in the family of nations. With our very own NAIA 3, the message is just starting to be sent across.
NAIA 3 is your average international airport. Years of idleness have made its interiors mediocre. Had it opened on schedule, it would have been a lot different. But don't get me wrong, it is still spacious, functional and busy like most international airports are. From the looks of it, the people behind NAIA 3 are working hard to polish its services to meet international standards and deliver total airport user satisfaction.
Leading domestic carriers such as Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Air Lines dominate the domestic gates. As a domestic traveler, I got confined only to this area.
The domestic gates lead to the dining section and the lounges where travelers can grab a quick bite and relax while awaiting boarding time, respectively.
The domestic gates are fully operational.
The restaurant and shopping areas at the second level are not. Yet.
NAIA 3 was smart enough to provide a nice smoking lounge for nicotine addicts.
The walkator comes in handy for people on the go.
The hallways are spacious.
Just like the hallways, individual seats are spacious, too.
Each gate at the pre-departure area has an information counter manned by airline personnel. The mission? To answer travelers' queries.
It looks like NAIA 3 personnel have yet to put fire extinguishers on their proper places at this side of the airport (Gates 119 and 120, Pre-Departure Area).
Rest rooms are a breeze to use. I saw the women's complete with hand towels and bathroom tissues. I hope they keep it that way. Also, air-cons are cool enough for me. Does it interest you? I hope so. Lol.
All in all, the experience was fine. Well, except during my boarding time when we were advised to proceed to the air bus (finally, after 40 minutes of unannounced delay) through a different gate at the last minute. It would have been fine, except that the distance between the two gates involved were quite long and travelers had to hurry up with bags in tow to get to the right gate.
I did not like it at all since my hand-carried bag was quite heavy. Actually, this was the only bag I brought.
My only consolation was that we arrived in Cebu City on time, sound and safe.
On our flight to Manila from Cebu, NAIA 3 welcomed us back warmly. Before leaving the premises, I took more pictures using Edwin's digicam. Outside, the taxis were aplenty.
Apparently, NAIA 3 has commissioned a taxi company (Sunshine Transportation, Inc.) to provide metered taxi service to travelers. Flat down rate starts at P70 ($1.52) for the first 500 meters. They charge P4 ($0.08) for every succeeding 300 meters and another P4 ($0.08) for every two minutes of traffic delay. From NAIA 3 to our house, we paid P250 ($5.43) including tip. Not bad. Several questions thrown at the taxi driver gave me information that they are only servicing airport-bound passengers, on a 24-hour straight duty, remitting boundary fee daily and working hard to get a decent income for a family of six or more. Admirable, indeed.
How about you, have you been to NAIA 3 lately? How was your experience? What were your observations? :)
Currency Exchange Used: $1 = P46
Spacious, functional and busy, airports are where first impressions about a paticularly country are formed, or so most people thought. Perhaps, that is the reason why airports are well-maintained and regularly upgraded in most countries. Apparently, an airport sends a strong message to the world about a particular country's economy. More so, it tells a lot about that country's people and where they stand in the family of nations. With our very own NAIA 3, the message is just starting to be sent across.
NAIA 3 is your average international airport. Years of idleness have made its interiors mediocre. Had it opened on schedule, it would have been a lot different. But don't get me wrong, it is still spacious, functional and busy like most international airports are. From the looks of it, the people behind NAIA 3 are working hard to polish its services to meet international standards and deliver total airport user satisfaction.
Leading domestic carriers such as Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Air Lines dominate the domestic gates. As a domestic traveler, I got confined only to this area.
The domestic gates lead to the dining section and the lounges where travelers can grab a quick bite and relax while awaiting boarding time, respectively.
The domestic gates are fully operational.
The restaurant and shopping areas at the second level are not. Yet.
NAIA 3 was smart enough to provide a nice smoking lounge for nicotine addicts.
The walkator comes in handy for people on the go.
The hallways are spacious.
Just like the hallways, individual seats are spacious, too.
Each gate at the pre-departure area has an information counter manned by airline personnel. The mission? To answer travelers' queries.
It looks like NAIA 3 personnel have yet to put fire extinguishers on their proper places at this side of the airport (Gates 119 and 120, Pre-Departure Area).
Rest rooms are a breeze to use. I saw the women's complete with hand towels and bathroom tissues. I hope they keep it that way. Also, air-cons are cool enough for me. Does it interest you? I hope so. Lol.
All in all, the experience was fine. Well, except during my boarding time when we were advised to proceed to the air bus (finally, after 40 minutes of unannounced delay) through a different gate at the last minute. It would have been fine, except that the distance between the two gates involved were quite long and travelers had to hurry up with bags in tow to get to the right gate.
I did not like it at all since my hand-carried bag was quite heavy. Actually, this was the only bag I brought.
My only consolation was that we arrived in Cebu City on time, sound and safe.
On our flight to Manila from Cebu, NAIA 3 welcomed us back warmly. Before leaving the premises, I took more pictures using Edwin's digicam. Outside, the taxis were aplenty.
Apparently, NAIA 3 has commissioned a taxi company (Sunshine Transportation, Inc.) to provide metered taxi service to travelers. Flat down rate starts at P70 ($1.52) for the first 500 meters. They charge P4 ($0.08) for every succeeding 300 meters and another P4 ($0.08) for every two minutes of traffic delay. From NAIA 3 to our house, we paid P250 ($5.43) including tip. Not bad. Several questions thrown at the taxi driver gave me information that they are only servicing airport-bound passengers, on a 24-hour straight duty, remitting boundary fee daily and working hard to get a decent income for a family of six or more. Admirable, indeed.
How about you, have you been to NAIA 3 lately? How was your experience? What were your observations? :)
Currency Exchange Used: $1 = P46
