Island Flights to Move Out of NAIA by March: What Travelers Need to Know
PHOTO BY EARL ANDRE ROCA ON PEXELS
Starting March 30, 2025, turboprop flights will begin moving out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as part of the government’s strategy to decongest Manila’s primary airport. This shift will transfer domestic island flights to secondary airports, including Clark Airport.
Passengers and airlines will need to adjust to the changes, which aim to improve overall efficiency and safety at NAIA while boosting regional airports. However, the move could impact travel plans, especially during the peak summer season.
Why Turboprops are Moving Out
The shift is designed to maximize NAIA’s capacity. Turboprops, which serve smaller island destinations, will transfer to airports like Clark. This reduces congestion at NAIA, which struggles with high demand for limited slots.
The move aligns with an aviation strategy to better manage air traffic. Secondary airports will handle turboprop operations, taking advantage of underutilized infrastructure. By October 2025, all turboprop flights must move, freeing space for jets at NAIA’s terminals.
Here are the flights that will relocate to Clark International Airport:
How Passengers and Airlines Are Affected
Nearly three million passengers may need to adjust their travel plans as the transfer to secondary airports will be done in phases. Popular routes to Coron and Siargao will now operate from Clark or other hubs.
Most affected are CebGo and PAL Express, which rely on turboprop planes, as the following report indicates:
Passengers may face longer travel times, especially with Clark Airport two hours from Manila. However, regional airports could provide faster check-ins and less congestion despite concerns over peak-season disruptions.
Opportunities for Regional Airports
Clark Airport and other regional hubs could benefit from this transfer. Clark remains underutilized, but relocating turboprop flights could increase its passenger volume and revenue.
Check out the video below to see what Clark offers its passengers:
The change allows NAIA to focus on jet aircraft, optimizing operations for larger planes and international flights.
Smaller carriers, such as AirSwift, have until 2026 to comply. For regions served by turboprops, improved facilities and connectivity at secondary airports may encourage more visitors and boost local economies.
Jodie Price
Hi, my name is Jodie Price and I have been a flight attendant for the past four years. Before that, I was a teacher at a local school. During my summer vacations from teaching, I loved to jet off on an exciting adventure whenever I could.But the flights stressed me and my friends out so much that we almost stopped vacationing altogether. Would another form of transportation be easier?
