Gov't studies NAIA privatization, though nothing definite yet

The government is currently studying if some components of Ninoy Aquino International Airport management could be operated by the private sector.

"There is a feasibility study ongoing, however, we will still have to present the results to MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) once it is completed," Michael Sagcal, spokesperson of the Transportation Department, told GMA News Online via text on Monday.

"The concept is pursuant to best practices in governance, which entails separating regulatory from operational functions," he explained.

The services that would be bid out to the private sector would depend on the feasibility study that is being conducted by the Public Private Partnership Center, Sagcal said.

"This is also consistent with our general direction of tapping private sector efficiency in handling day-to-day requirements of transport facilities in order to be more responsive to the needs of the public," he added.

Currently, NAIA is serving about 30 million passengers a year, just two million shy of its 32-million capacity. — DVM, GMA News