LOOK: The NAIA Terminal 1 Arrivals Bay Just Got a Huge Makeover
Say hello to much-improved wayfinding and traffic flow.
by Leana Vibal
Published on Feb 20, 2026
(SPOT.ph) It's often joked that the most depressing part of any international trip is stepping back onto Philippine soil. And for many travelers, that heartbreak starts with a reality check at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)—especially Terminal 1, whose arrivals bay has long been, well, less than welcoming.
But it looks like the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) was listening. NAIA Terminal 1’s arrivals area has just undergone a major facelift—and these upgrades might finally make coming home feel a little less like a post-vacation hangover. Here's what to look forward to the next time you arrive at NAIA Terminal 1.
Also read:
LOOK: NAIA T3 Opens New Biometric Immigration e-Gates + Two New Food Halls
LOOK: NAIA's New Biometric and Facial Recognition E-Gates Are Here
GUIDE: Restaurants and Cafés at NAIA Terminal 3's New Mezzanine Food Hall
Take a look at the new and improved NAIA Terminal 1 Arrivals Bay:
As the oldest operating airport terminal in Metro Manila, NAIA Terminal 1 has long been overdue for an upgrade. Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by its steep ramps, dimly lit walkways, or the sheer chaos of the pickup bays. Thankfully, those long-standing pain points may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to a fresh round of much-needed improvements.
First up is an improvement on the ramp leading to the pickup area—you know, the steep one that'll have you gripping on your luggage and carts for dear life. Good news: the slope has been reduced and has been fitted with anti-slip rubber mat flooring.

No more white-knuckling your bags or fighting intrusive thoughts about runaway carts and wheelchairs. The revamped space is now noticeably safer and more accessible for arriving passengers.
Next, the arrival pickup area has been improved with more efficient wayfinding signage and organized with a centralized taxi and ride-hailing hub for better traffic flow.

Under the new scheme, yellow metered taxis, coupon taxis, and ride-hailing services each have designated pickup bays. This means no more scrambling to contact your driver to inform them of where you are. Simply wait in the designated area, and they'll eventually get to you.


And lastly, if your trip home got you feeling hungry or if you opted out of airplane food, now there are a bunch of fast food restaurants like Chowking, Kenny Rogers, and a lot more opening soon, so you can grab a bite before another arduous journey braving Metro Manila traffic.
While it may still sting to go back to real life after a vacation abroad, here's hoping these new improvements soften the blow just enough to get you home in a good mood.
For more information, visit NAIA's Facebook page.

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