When a school hosted me to speak at their event in the Visayas region, they asked which airline I would like to be booked on. Usually, I choose low-cost airlines. However, this time, I chose to fly with Philippine Airlines. While I have no complaints with other airlines, I really don’t want to fly from NAIA Terminal 3 because I want to be comfortable. I don’t want to be seated on the floor waiting for my flight. This is just one scenario of how an airport can affect a country’s tourism.
Airports play a crucial role in shaping a country’s tourism sector. They serve as the first and last points of contact for international visitors, influencing their overall travel experience. A well-designed and efficiently managed airport can enhance a country’s appeal as a tourist destination, while a poorly managed one can deter visitors.
Comfort and Passenger Services
Comfort and passenger services are key factors in enhancing the travel experience. Airports that prioritize passenger comfort and provide excellent services can make a lasting positive impression on visitors.
Examples of Exceptional Airports
Singapore Changi Airport, Seoul Incheon, and Hong Kong International Airport are prime examples of airports that excel in passenger comfort and services. These airports offer a range of amenities, such as comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, diverse dining options, and efficient security processes. They also feature attractions like gardens, entertainment areas, and shopping malls, making them destinations in their own right. These features not only make layovers enjoyable but also encourage tourists to choose these airports as transit hubs, boosting tourism in their respective countries.
Challenges at NAIA Terminal 3
In contrast, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Manila faces several challenges that affect passenger comfort. Issues such as fluctuating power, air conditioning system shutdowns, broken x-ray machines, and a lack of seating and tables create a stressful environment for travelers. These problems can lead to negative reviews and discourage tourists from returning, ultimately harming the country’s tourism sector.
Corruption and Inefficiency
Corruption and inefficiency in airport management can severely hinder a country’s tourism potential. Abuse of authority, substandard infrastructure, and poor service quality are common consequences of corruption, which can tarnish a country’s reputation and deter potential visitors.
Impact of Corruption
Delays in airport development projects due to corruption or mismanagement can result in inadequate facilities and services. Travelers may face long waiting times, overcrowded terminals, and inefficient security checks. These negative experiences can overshadow the country’s attractions and lead to a decline in tourism.
Aside from this, corruption from airport authorities can deter tourists quickly. Remember the “laglag bala” scheme many years ago at NAIA, where airport authorities would plant bullets in passengers’ luggage and extort money from them?
Efficient Airports in Other Countries
Malaysia and Hong Kong have invested in world-class airports that operate efficiently and provide excellent passenger services. These airports, such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport, enhance the overall travel experience and attract more tourists, contributing to the local economy. Their success demonstrates the importance of transparency and efficiency in airport management.
Infrastructure Quality and Development
The quality and development of airport infrastructure play a vital role in attracting tourists. Modern, well-maintained airports reflect a country’s commitment to providing a positive experience for visitors and can influence their decision to visit.
World-Class Airports in the Philippines
Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Clark International Airport are examples of world-class airports in the Philippines. These airports have modern facilities and efficient services, making them ideal transit hubs. However, their distance from Metro Manila, the country’s main city, can be inconvenient for travelers who wish to explore Manila’s attractions. Improving accessibility and connectivity to these airports can further enhance their role in boosting tourism.
Challenges at NAIA
NAIA, the primary gateway to the Philippines, faces several challenges that impact its reputation. Issues such as power outages, inadequate seating, and inefficient services can frustrate travelers and create a negative impression. Despite these challenges, there is hope for improvement. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has committed to improving conditions at NAIA. While many remain pessimistic due to past failures like the Caticlan Airport project, successful improvements could enhance the airport’s appeal and attract more tourists.
Runway System and Capacity
The runway system is a critical aspect of airport infrastructure that affects its capacity and efficiency. No matter how many terminals an airport has, if the runway system cannot accommodate increased traffic, it will constrain capacity and cause delays.
Runway System at NAIA
NAIA currently uses a perpendicular runway system, which limits the number of take-offs and landings. In contrast, many modern airports use parallel runways, which allow for more efficient handling of air traffic. Expanding NAIA’s runway system and adding more runways would enable the airport to increase capacity and accommodate more flights, reducing congestion and improving the overall travel experience.
Impact on Local Economy
Airports not only facilitate tourism but also contribute to the local economy. A well-functioning airport can create jobs, support local businesses, and generate revenue through tourism-related activities. It can also attract international airlines, increasing connectivity and making the country more accessible to tourists.
Economic Benefits of Efficient Airports
Efficient airports like Singapore Changi and Hong Kong International Airport serve as major transit hubs, attracting millions of travelers each year. These airports provide numerous job opportunities and support a wide range of businesses, from retail and dining to transportation and hospitality. The increased tourist traffic contributes to the local economy, promoting growth and development.
I hope that the Philippines will get a better airport system soon. Honestly, I envy Cebu and Pampanga for having world-class airports that are definitely comfortable for passengers. It’s sad that these airports are underutilized. I hope the SMC-Incheon Airports partnership will improve the conditions of NAIA in the meantime, while we wait for a bigger airport, a better transportation system, and more highways and roads to Clark International Airport. The distance of Clark International Airport from Manila is about 95 kilometers! Yes, airports can really affect a country’s tourism due to capacity, security, and first impressions.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
