What to expect under a new NAIA

They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.What is this single step then when the task is to rehabilitate a 76-year-old airport known to many as one of the world's worst gateways?

- ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) over the weekend was turned over to the care of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), tasked to do the P170.6-billion, 15-year upgrade of the gateway.

Travelers can expect a handful of changes in the next 12 months, most of which could improve the way they fly, some of which could make trips costlier.

Within half a year, NNIC, led by San Miguel Corp.

(SMC), promises to introduce quick fixes to the airport. The concessionaire plans to renovate the comfort rooms and secure the water supply, purchase additional seats for the terminals and install new cooling systems.

Broadband analyst Ookla also listed NAIA as one of the worst gateways in Southeast Asia to go online, as it averaged an internet speed of just 17.9 Mbps in the first quarter. In turn, NNIC wants to set up better connectivity across the terminals, understanding how important the internet is for passengers who may have to pull up documents for their travel.

Infrawatch PH convenor Terry Ridon hopes NNIC can prioritize the repair of mobility facilities like elevators, escalators and walkalators for the convenience of travelers.