NAIA witness to scenes of tearful reunions, goodbyes on Christmas Eve

Both joyful and sorrowful moments were observed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Wednesday, Christmas Eve, as families welcomed returning overseas Filipino workers, while others bid their farewells.

According to Ian Cruz’s “24 Oras” report, 74-year-old Norma Santos was in tears as she welcomed her daughter, who arrived from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Santos said it had been a while since she had both of her OFW daughters at home for Christmas at the same time, as her other child arrived from Japan yesterday.

Meanwhile, Jason Lucero and 10 other workers have to return to their jobs in an oil and gas company in Dubai.

Fely Cueto said she and her husband have bittersweet feelings about leaving their family in the Philippines, even as they look forward to being with their child in Abu Dhabi.

On their way to Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, Gloria Ciruelos said she accepted that she and her children would be traveling on Christmas Eve and that their Noche Buena would be delayed.

The New NAIA Infra Corp. earlier said it expected 2.5 million travelers at NAIA from December 20 to January 5, 2026.

NAIA saw 169,000 passengers on December 23, nearly 10% higher than the same period last year. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News