After viral overcharging incident, NAIA operator moves to fix transport flaws

A recent case of overcharging by an unauthorized taxi at NAIA has sparked public backlash and led to the dismissal of five airport police officers.

In response, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the airport’s private operator, is introducing several measures to tighten security and restore passenger trust. Here’s what they’re doing:

1. Crackdown on transport accreditation

NNIC is auditing all existing transport accreditations inherited from government oversight to determine which operators are still compliant and which are not.

This includes a review of expired contracts and underperforming providers.

2. Improved identification for legitimate vehicles

To prevent unauthorized pickups, NNIC is planning to roll out new, tamper-resistant accreditation markings that make it easier for passengers to spot approved transport options.

3. Expanded CCTV, security patrols

The operator has installed more surveillance cameras and increased the presence of security personnel, particularly in high-risk zones like terminal curbs and parking areas.

4. Centralized App-based ride hubs

A centralized hub for ride-hailing services like Grab and Joyride was launched at Terminal 3 late last year to improve order, safety, and pricing transparency for passengers.

Centralized Transport Hub: A dedicated hub for ride-hailing services and their metered taxis at Terminal 3, offering more organized group transportation options. (Photo courtesy of NAIA)

5. More frequent inter-terminal shuttles

Free shuttle buses between terminals now run every 15 minutes — part of an earlier effort to reduce passenger dependence on taxis for short transfers.

New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has deployed eight additional inter-terminal shuttle buses at NAIA, bringing the total number of newly acquired shuttles to 12. This expansion improves passenger mobility as air travel demand continues to rise. (Photo courtesy of NAIA)

6. New passenger complaint system

NNIC is developing a digital reporting tool to make it easier for travelers to report incidents, access support, and receive follow-up on their concerns.

7. Public awareness campaigns

Expect new materials across terminals reminding passengers how to spot legitimate transport options and how to report violations.

While these steps show a push toward fixing transport issues, the overcharging case has also exposed deeper coordination problems between NNIC and MIAA — suggesting that better-defined roles and joint enforcement are still needed.