The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as AirAsia Philippines finally relocated its domestic operations to NAIA Terminal 2, aptly dubbed as “T2.” AirAsia Philippines brands this significant step as the “winning move.” On June 30, the airline bid farewell to its small terminal, conducting its last domestic flights. Come July 1, a fresh chapter began in the airline’s history, with their first day at T2. It was indeed a privilege to witness this momentous event in AirAsia Philippines’ journey.
Personally, the anticipation around AirAsia Philippines’ presence in NAIA T2 is quite palpable. First off, I must laud them for the seamless transition from T4 to T2. They were well-prepared, with shuttle vans stationed in T4 on July 1 to accommodate any passengers still in the dark about the shift to T2. Inside the terminal, queues were manageable, and everything ran smoothly. In my view, T2 is a marked improvement over T4 in terms of orderliness. Complaints were few and far between, hinting at a positive passenger experience.
Originally Intended as a Domestic Terminal
NAIA Terminal 2, also known as the “Centennial Terminal,” was initially crafted to serve domestic flights exclusively. However, Philippine Airlines (PAL) later used it for both domestic and international flights. This dual use explained the limited size of the shops and restaurants and the absence of a duty-free store. During peak seasons like Christmas and New Year, the terminal often became overcrowded. Therefore, a decision was made in 2022 to revert NAIA T2 back to its original function as a domestic terminal.
As a result, all international flights by PAL moved to NAIA Terminal 1, while PAL’s domestic flights stayed in T2, primarily in the North Wing of the terminal. AirAsia Philippines and Royal Air took up operations from the South Wing, formerly the “domestic wing” of PAL. As for T4, it is now mainly serving turboprop airlines such as CebGo, AirSwift, and Sunlight Air.
An Advantage for AirAsia Philippines
Before the transfer to NAIA T2, AirAsia Philippines has been operating domestic flights from terminal 4 which is really a small terminal for years. At one point, they had to transfer all Cebu and Caticlan flights to NAIA T3 because that small terminal really did get crowded. Let alone, AirAsia Philippines operates a fleet of Airbus A320s with 180 seats. Hence, during high travel seasons, a full load flight may mean 180 passengers immediately. So just imagine how it would be if 5 full load domestic flights would be operating at almost the same time.
The airline’s international flights however are operating from the NAIA T3.
Greater Capacity for Passenger Comfort
One of the largest benefits for AirAsia Philippines with their move is the capability to comfortably accommodate more passengers. For instance, AirAsia had access to just 11 check-in counters at T4, but now at NAIA T2’s South Wing, they boast 20 check-in counters. This increase will allow them to process more passengers swiftly and efficiently. With additional baggage drop-in counters for passengers who have checked in online, and special lanes, operations will run even more smoothly. The ample space will also facilitate free movement for passengers as they wait for their flights. More seating at the boarding gates, compared to T4, further enhances passenger convenience.
Eliminating the Ramp Crossings
Previously at NAIA T4, passengers of AirAsia Philippines had to traverse the ramp from the terminal to their aircraft. With the new move to T2, passengers will have the luxury of moving between the terminal and the aircraft via air bridges or jet bridges. The necessity to wait under the intense sun at the ramp for boarding is eliminated. The South Wing area of NAIA T2 offers around seven such air bridges.
Welcoming Widebody Aircraft for Domestic Flights
As mentioned before, AirAsia Philippines is expected to operate Airbus A330 widebody jets by 2024. At T4, running domestic flights with A330s would be problematic due to limited ramp space. Therefore, the transition to NAIA T2 will facilitate the efficient operation of domestic flights using A330s.
In addition to this, AirAsia Philippines will be able to significantly increase capacity by adding more flights, increasing frequencies, and utilizing larger aircraft. The airline is also preparing to receive and operate Airbus A321neos by 2024, which can carry 236 passengers per aircraft.
Stepping into a Revamped and Spotless Terminal
NAIA T4, while compact, has started showing signs of wear and tear. However, NAIA T2 has recently undergone refurbishment. Improvements include more efficient air conditioning, a louder PA system, cleaner walls, and well-maintained restrooms. This transformation offers a delightful experience for all AirAsia Philippines passengers, both departing and arriving. As the world’s best low-cost airline for 14 consecutive years, they certainly deserve a spacious, clean, and aesthetically pleasing terminal.
Currently, my hope for them is to commence operations for international flights from NAIA T1 and for the remaining foreign airlines to move to NAIA T3. The transfer between NAIA T1 and T2 is considerably faster since they are just a short distance apart.
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!
