Protest against NAIA deal, fee hike reaches Supreme Court again

MANILA, Philippines — A group has asked the Supreme Court to immediately halt the implementation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) concession deal and related fee increases, citing rising economic pressures from global oil shocks.

In a second reiterative motion filed electronically on March 24, Ugnayan ng mga Lumalaban sa Airport Privatization (ULAP) urged the high court to issue a temporary restraining order, arguing that the impact of Middle East tensions has made relief more urgent.

"The ongoing war in the Middle East and the significant economic impact it has had on every Filipino's daily life further highlight the urgent need for the Honorable Court to spare Filipinos from the unnecessary and unjustified economic burden caused by the unconstitutional and illegal Revised AO," the petition read.

Fee hikes under challenge

The petition challenges the March 18, 2024 concession agreement and Manila International Airport Authority Revised Administrative Order No. 1, which raised airport charges.

ULAP said the changes have led to a 220% increase in landing and takeoff fees and more than 1,400% hikes in aircraft parking charges for both domestic and international operations.

The group said higher aviation costs could translate into increased prices of goods and services.

"Those developments have substantially raised transportation and logistics costs, and further magnified the economic burden of high NAIA charges," the motion said.

The petition reiterates earlier challenges filed in May and August 2025, seeking to void the concession deal with San Miguel-led New NAIA Infra Corp. and the revised administrative order.

Concessionaire response

New NAIA Infra Corp. said it respects the group's right to seek legal remedies and acknowledged the pressure on consumers.

"We respect the right of any group to raise concerns and seek legal remedies on behalf of travelers and commuters. We also recognize the strain that rising prices are placing on many Filipino families, including OFWs and everyday passengers who use NAIA," the company said.

It added that overseas Filipino workers remain exempt from travel taxes and international terminal fees.

The company said domestic airline operations have long benefited from a 65% discount on landing and takeoff fees, noting that airfares are also influenced by fuel prices and market conditions.

Policy context. The concessionaire said the government's recent relief measures did not cover NAIA, as they apply only to airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

It added that the fee adjustments are part of efforts to address years of underinvestment in airport infrastructure.

"The NAIA concession was established to make that possible. It comes with clear obligations, government oversight, and accountability to the public," the company said.