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Heads Up: Here Are New NAIA Terminal Assignments for International Flights

Check if your flight has been affected by the change.

Leana Vibal

by Leana Vibal

Published on Feb 25, 2026

Facebook/ NAIA

(SPOT.ph) Peak travel season is fast approaching, and whether you’re jetting off across the country or halfway around the world, it all starts at the airport. But if you’re flying out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), hold off on booking that ride just yet.


Before you head out, double-check your ticket and confirm your terminal. There’s been a shuffle in airline assignments, and your flight may have been reassigned. Here’s what you need to know before you make your way to the airport.

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What are the new terminal assignments for airlines with international flights in NAIA:

In a bid to decongest the airport—read: fewer delays and less crowding—the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) has announced major changes to international terminal assignments, effective March 29. Under the new scheme, select airlines currently operating out of Terminal 1 will transfer to Terminal 3, and vice versa. Terminal 2 operations, however, will remain unchanged.


Starting March 29, Air China, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines, Royal Brunei, and Shenzhen Airlines will move their international operations from NAIA Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. Japan Airlines will follow suit on April 1.

Meanwhile, international flights for AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Berhad—those with flight codes beginning with 'Z2' and 'AK' — will be moving from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1. Note that all AirAsia Philippines’ domestic flights will continue to operate from NAIA Terminal 2, with no changes to current domestic operations.

New NAIA airline terminal assignments
Click to Enlarge
If you're unsure about whether your flight is affected by the terminal change, you can check the flight code on your boarding pass. If it begins with the ones posted here, your flight is definitely moving to another terminal. But if you're still on the fence, you can always just reach out to airline representatives to clarify.. Photo: Facebook/ NAIA

What this means is that beginning on the effective dates, all pre- and post-flight processes—including check-in, baggage drop, boarding, and baggage claim—will take place at the newly assigned terminals. In short, double-check your terminal before heading to the airport.

Don't be alarmed if your airline suddenly sends you a new flight itinerary; it's just updating you on where you should go for your flight. If you're concerned about whether your flight will be moved or cancelled, don't be! Unless the airlines announce otherwise, there shouldn't be any schedule changes due to the terminal reassignments. But hey, don't just take our word for it—when in doubt, contact your airline ASAP.


For more information, visit NAIA's Facebook page.

Leana Vibal

Leana is Spot's go-to for Arts & Culture and Things to Do. On any given day, she’s either glued to her screen—or gliding underwater like the mermaid she swears she is. Contact: leana@spot.ph

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