Duty Free Philippine bets on airport upgrade for next growth phase

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The Philippine Star

January 10, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Duty Free Philippines Corp. (DFPC) is opening a new chapter in its modernization drive by strengthening its presence inside the country’s international airports as part of its long-term growth strategy.

As part of this shift, DFPC is in discussions regarding the future of its Fiesta Mall lease in Parañaque as it moves toward expanding its presence inside the country’s airports.

DFPC said the review supports a strategic realignment toward high-traffic travel locations and reflects the corporation’s broader modernization efforts. “We want to grow the footprint of Duty Free and revive its glory days through expansion and new offerings. There is strong potential in what’s coming with these changes,” DFPC officials said.

This includes the possible transition away from Fiesta Mall — including the site’s aging layout and growing maintenance needs — and airport-based expansion that is aligned more closely with global trends in duty-free retail, where digital upgrades and refreshed store formats are now essential.

Parallel to the ongoing transformation at NAIA, DFPC is also upgrading its stores and services as it pushes to remain a world-class, tourism-supporting retailer.

As part of its modernization roadmap, DFPC is rolling out major upgrades inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport, with expansion plans underway at both Terminals 1 and 3. At Terminal 3, the company is set to scale up its retail area from its current footprint to as much as 6,000 square meters, making it one of the largest duty-free spaces in the airport network and positioning it to better serve the growing volume of international travelers.

DFPC is also reshaping its retail experience by expanding its lineup of luxury labels, international brands, and emerging names, while opening its outlets to more concessionaires and brand partners. The result is a more dynamic and inclusive product mix — one that ranges from high-end exclusives and global bestsellers to Filipino-made goods and practical pasalubong — giving travelers greater choice without compromising value.

“This is not just expansion — it’s transformation,” DFPC officials said. “We’re building stores that reflect how Filipino travelers move, shop, and expect service today.”