The Philippines’ Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has significantly increased charges for its meet-and-assist services, offering VIP treatment to travelers who wish to skip queues. On Thursday, airport authorities announced that passengers seeking this service will now have to pay up to Php140,000 (approximately Dh9,000), depending on the number of passengers.
This sharp rise in fees comes following the airport’s management handover to the privately owned New Naia Infrastructure Corp (NNIC). The changes are part of a broader effort to enhance airport operations and streamline VIP protocols, typically offered to high-profile passengers, including celebrities.
Previously, the meet-and-assist services were much more affordable, with rates ranging from Php800 (Dh51) to Php4,032 (Dh256). However, under the new structure, fees have increased by as much as 900 percent. The revised rates start at Php8,000 (about Dh500) per passenger and can reach up to Php140,000 for larger groups of up to 30 people.
NNIC justified the price hike as a necessary measure to curb the misuse of the service. In a statement, the company explained that the lower fees allowed nearly any passenger to bypass regular airport procedures, creating potential security risks and operational inefficiencies. The new pricing aims to address these issues by limiting VIP treatment to those willing to pay a premium.
“Our ultimate goal is to create a seamless and efficient airport experience where the need for VIP treatment becomes unnecessary. We want every traveler to enjoy an effortless journey through NAIA, regardless of their status,” the airport operator said.
The basic service, priced at Php8,000 per passenger, covers only the guide service for departure flights. Additional services, such as access passes for coordinators and vehicle passes, are more expensive. These packages begin at Php50,000 for up to nine passengers, Php100,000 for 10 to 20 passengers, and rise to Php140,000 for groups of 21 to 30 passengers.
In addition to the price increase, new guidelines have been introduced for VIP services. Non-passengers will no longer be allowed to provide meet-and-greet services or accompany departing VIPs. Furthermore, NNIC announced that all VIP services will now be exclusively handled by their VIP Assistance Personnel.
These changes represent a significant shift in how NAIA manages VIP services, focusing on security and operational efficiency while providing a premium experience for travelers willing to pay the higher fees.
