# Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

> Manila, PH · 7 km (4.3 mi) S of Manila

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/mnl
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/mnl.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: MNL
- **ICAO**: RPLL
- **Timezone**: Asia/Manila
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 3
- **Passengers**: 47.9M/yr
- **Hub for**: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific
- **Official site**: https://www.miaa.gov.ph

## Overview

## Welcome

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) isn't your typical airport; it's a collection of terminals that operate like separate mini-airports, each with its own character and level of amenities. The real story at NAIA is the stark contrast between terminals. Terminal 3 is by far the most equipped, with an array of dining and retail options, while Terminals 1 and 2 often leave passengers wanting more in terms of comfort and convenience. Travelers' strategies must adapt not just to congestion but to this terminal divide, especially if they're connecting flights.

## At a glance

Located just 7 kilometers south of Manila, NAIA handles around 47.9 million passengers a year with Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific as its primary hubs. It features two runways and three main terminals, making it a critical gateway for both domestic and international flights in the Philippines. But in doing so, each terminal retains its own functional identity, making them somewhat isolated in terms of services offered.

## Terminals & layout

Terminal 1 hosts airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways. This older terminal is notorious for its limited amenities and more basic offerings. Terminal 2, known as the Centennial Terminal, focuses mainly on Philippine Airlines operations. Terminal 3, the largest and most modern, serves as the operational hub for Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines, and is generally lauded for its broader mix of amenities—which include a spa, pharmacy, medical clinic, and even a prayer room.

## Getting to and from the city

NAIA sits approximately 4.3 miles from downtown Manila, making ground transport relatively swift when traffic cooperates. While there are no details on specific public transport or parking provided here, travelers would do well to navigate Manila’s notorious traffic with ample buffer time, particularly during peak hours.

## Traveller essentials

The terminal-to-terminal disconnect can be surprising for some—there is no seamless airside transfer between terminals. Travelers should follow the official guidance for transferring between terminals, particularly for connections involving Philippine Airlines, which provides a transfer guide due to the complexity and distance between the terminals.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Terminal 3 stands out with its extensive dining and shopping options. This includes a wide dining zone featuring fast food and casual eateries, ideal for longer layovers or for those needing pre-flight nourishment. In contrast, Terminal 1 offers a more limited food court, and Terminal 2 presents a cluster of cafes and basic dining offerings. Unfortunately, there are no specific details about lounges or shops for this overview.

## Lounges

While specific lounges are not detailed in this overview, travelers should manage expectations based on their terminal. Terminal 3 often features richer lounge options compared to the other, older terminals. Astute travelers often allocate time to ensuring their lounge access aligns with their departure gates and terminal restrictions.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** If you can choose your terminal, prioritize **Terminal 3** for its amenities like a **spa, pharmacy, and medical clinic** that you won't find in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

- **Time:** Always follow **Philippine Airlines' transfer guide** if connecting flights; getting between terminals is no light task.

- **Local:** For dining, head to **Terminal 3's wide dining and shopping zone** instead of hoping for similar variety in the older terminals.

- **Quiet:** Need a peaceful pause? Terminal 3 offers a **prayer room**, ideal for a moment of reflection amid travel chaos.

- **Avoid:** Don't expect the same lounge or retail options in Terminals 1 and 2; **Terminal 3** often has the better options.

- **Money:** Once you’re in **Terminal 3**, take advantage of its **spa** for a bit of relaxation; it’s a unique feature at NAIA.

- **Quiet:** Terminal 3's **pharmacy** and **medical clinic** are excellent resources for travelers who may need quick access to healthcare supplies.

## Terminals (3)

- **Terminal 1** — Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways
- **Terminal 2 (Centennial Terminal)** — Philippine Airlines
- **Terminal 3** — Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines

## Dining (46)

- **Air Cargo Food Kiosk** — Terminal 1 · canteen · $
- **Angel’s Pizza** — Terminal 3 · Pizza restaurant · $$
- **Anika** — Terminal 1 · canteen · $
- **Banapple** — Terminal 3 · Café & dessert shop · $$
- **Bo's Coffee** — Terminal 1 · coffee shop · $$
- **BreadTalk** — Terminal 3 · Bakery · $
- **Brownies Unlimited** — Terminal 1 · bakery & dessert kiosk · $
- **Burger King** — Terminal 3 · Fast food · $
- **Caffè de Lipa** — Coffee shop · $$
- **Caffè Ritazza** — Terminal 1 · coffee shop · $$
- **Chili’s** — Terminal 3 · Casual dining · $$
- **Chowking** — Terminal 1 · fast food · $
- **Denny's** — Terminal 3 · Casual dining · $$
- **Estrel’s** — Terminal 3 · Bakery & cake shop · $$
- **Figaro Coffee** — Coffee shop · $$
- **Gong Cha** — Terminal 1 · beverage & snack kiosk · $
- **JCO Reserve** — Terminal 3 · Donut & coffee shop · $$
- **Jollibee** — Terminal 1 · fast food · $
- **Ka Tunying’s** — Filipino café/bakery · $$
- **Kenny Rogers Roasters** — Terminal 1 · fast casual · $$
- **KFC** — Terminal 3 · Fast food · $
- **Krispy Kreme** — Bakery/doughnut shop · $
- **Kuya J** — Terminal 1 · casual dining · $$
- **LA Chicks** — Terminal 3 · Fast casual · $$
- **Little Flour** — Terminal 1 · coffee shop · $$
- **Mama Lou’s** — Terminal 3 · Italian restaurant · $$$
- **Marugame Udon** — Terminal 3 · Japanese fast casual · $$
- **Mary Grace** — Bakery/café · $$
- **McDonald's** — Terminal 3 · Fast food · $
- **Modern Shanghai** — Terminal 3 · Chinese restaurant · $$$
- **Nanyang** — Terminal 3 · Asian café · $$
- **Nono's Comfort Kitchen & Bakery** — Terminal 1 · snack counter · $$
- **Pagstop Lounge** — Terminal 1 · casual dining / bar · $$
- **Pancake House** — Terminal 3 · Casual dining · $$
- **Paris Baguette** — Terminal 3 · Bakery café · $$
- **Popeyes** — Terminal 3 · Fast food · $
- **Potato Corner** — Terminal 1 · snack kiosk · $
- **Ramen Nagi Express** — Terminal 1 · fast casual · $$
- **Rizal Café & Restaurant** — Terminal 1 · casual dining · $$
- **Sans Rival** — Terminal 3 · Dessert shop · $$
- **Seattle’s Best Coffee** — Terminal 3 · Coffee shop · $$
- **Shakey's** — Terminal 3 · Casual dining · $$
- **Starbucks** — Terminal 1 · coffee shop · $$
- **UCC** — Terminal 3 · Coffee shop · $$
- **Watami** — Terminal 3 · Japanese restaurant · $$$
- **Wendy's** — Terminal 3 · Fast food · $

## Lounges (10)

- **A-Lounge** — Terminal 1 · American Express Platinum and Centurion cardmembers, walk-in paid access subject to availability, select airline or bank partners · Walk-in paid access available for eligible travelers
- **Cathay Pacific Lounge** — Terminal 3 · Cathay Pacific Business Class, Cathay Pacific First Class, Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club Silver, Gold, Diamond, Oneworld Sapphire, Oneworld Emerald
- **Dignitaries Lounge** — Official government guests and dignitaries by invitation
- **Mabuhay Lounge (Philippine Airlines Domestic)** — Philippine Airlines and PAL Express business class passengers, Mabuhay Miles elite status members (and eligible guests), Selected partner airline premium passengers when operating from Terminal 2
- **marhaba Lounge** — Terminal 1 · pay-per-use, select airline premium passengers, lounges programs (e.g., some credit card networks and lounge memberships) · Pay-per-use access, typically up to 3 hours
- **OFW Lounge** — Terminal 1 · Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with valid documentation
- **Pagstop Lounge** — Terminal 1 · selected airline business class passengers (e.g., Gulf Air), invited guests of partner airlines
- **Plaza Premium Lounge** — Terminal 3 · Pay at the door, Plaza Premium membership, Selected credit cards and lounge programs · Around PHP 2000 including shower access
- **SilverKris Lounge** — Terminal 3 · Singapore Airlines Business Class, Singapore Airlines First Class, Star Alliance Gold, KrisFlyer Elite Gold
- **Wings Transit Lounge** — Terminal 3 · Pay at the door · From PHP 1500 for 3-hour room packages

## Shops (6)

- **7-Eleven** — Terminal 3 · Convenience store
- **ATMs (Various Banks)** — Banking/ATM
- **Brownies Unlimited** — Terminal 1 · dessert & bakery shop
- **Duty Free Shops (generic)** — Duty-free
- **Foreign Exchange Counters** — Currency exchange
- **Potato Corner** — Terminal 1 · snack shop

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: If you can choose your terminal, prioritize Terminal 3 for its amenities like a spa, pharmacy, and medical clinic that you won't find in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
- _Time_: Always follow Philippine Airlines' transfer guide if connecting flights; getting between terminals is no light task.
- _Local_: For dining, head to Terminal 3's wide dining and shopping zone instead of hoping for similar variety in the older terminals.
- _Quiet_: Need a peaceful pause? Terminal 3 offers a prayer room, ideal for a moment of reflection amid travel chaos.
- _Avoid_: Don't expect the same lounge or retail options in Terminals 1 and 2; Terminal 3 often has the better options.
- _Money_: Once you’re in Terminal 3, take advantage of its spa for a bit of relaxation; it’s a unique feature at NAIA.
- _Quiet_: Terminal 3's pharmacy and medical clinic are excellent resources for travelers who may need quick access to healthcare supplies.