New Manila International Airport

New Manila International Airport is a proposed development project to construct a second airport and attendant 2,500 hectare 'airport city' in the Filipino capital of Manila. The new airport is expected to complement air traffic operations at the existing and congested Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Two potential locations - Sangley Point (proposed by Japan International Cooperation Agency) and Manila Bay (proposed by San Miguel Corporation) - were subject to consideration by the Filipino Government. The government confirmed Manila Bay will no longer be pursued as a site option for the new Manila Airport, with the proposal for Bulacan by San Miguel Corporation for the New Manila International Airport project securing Department of Transportation approval. The PPP proposal involves construction operation, and maintenance of the airport on a 2500 hectare area of land in Bulacan, north of Manila Bay. Philippines' Department of Transportation (DOTr) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) signed an agreement on 18-Sep-2019, allowing SMC to commence works on the PHP735 billion (USD14 billion) New Manila International Airport project in Bulacan.

---

Aug-2023. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced land development activities for its PHP740 billion (USD13.04 billion) international airport complex north of Metro Manila are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with commercial operations to commence in 2026. SMC said the project was 68.92% complete on 30-Jun-2023. SMC stated: "The San Miguel team continues to work on the airport masterplan along with the critical components of the airport".

Feb-2023. Cavite's Provincial Government signed a JV with a consortium for the USD11 million development of Manila Sangley Point International Airport. The consortium, which was granted original proponent status in Jan-2022, includes Cavitex Holdings, Samsung C&T Corporation, MacroAsia Corporation, Munich Airport International GmbH, Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong. Cavite's Governor Jonvic Remulla stated the consortium submitted a USD5 billion performance bond, a financial guarantee to ensure completion of the project. Mr Remulla added: "If they fail, then the bond is forfeited to the provincial government". He added government hopes the groundbreaking ceremony will take place in 2024, followed by four years of construction for the first runway and four years for the second. The airport will be capable of handling around 75 million passengers p/a and is expected to generate around 50,000 jobs. 

Nov-2022. Philippines Department of Transportation (DOT) stated land development works which are now being done at New Manila International Airport's 1693 hectare build site in Bulakan. The DOT and the San Miguel Aerocity Inc (SMAI) are working together to make sure that the project complies with environmental protection requirements, particularly flood mitigation. Operations at the new gateway are targeted to start in 2027. Once built, the new international airport will be fully owned by the government under a "build-operate-transfer" programme. Phase 1 of the airport will have a capacity of up to 35 million passengers p/a and is expected generate more than 1 million jobs. Under the 50 year concession agreement, SMAI will undertake the financing, design, construction, supply, completion, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of the new international gateway.

Jul-2022. Philippines' Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles stated New Manila International Airport construction will proceed despite a veto by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to a measure establishing an adjacent special economic zone and freeport. Ms Cruz-Angeles said construction of the airport and aero city is not affected by the veto. She added Mr Marcos Jr fully supports creation of the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, but his decision to veto HB 7575 was meant to "cure the defects found in the measure". Mr Marcos Jr said the bill "lacks coherence with existing laws, rules, and regulations". 

Mar-2021. Philippines' Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade reported the groundbreaking of New Manila International Airport will take place within 2Q2021. Mr Tugade stated the department hopes to do a formal inauguration by Apr-2021 or May-2021. He added the project is expected to be completed in four to six years and the airport is projected to accommodate 100 to 200 million passengers p/a.

Jan-2021. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) COO Ramon Ang reported the company is aiming to complete New Manila International Airport by 2025. Mr Ang added: "Two major expressways connecting to the airport will also open by 2023".

Oct-2020. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon Ang reported he expects New Manila International Airport to initially have two runways when it opens in five years time, adding plans to expand to four runways one year later. Preparatory work is scheduled to commence in 1Q2021, with the land development project expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Jul-2020. Philippines' Department of Transportation reported San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will break ground on the PHP735 billion (USD14 billion) New Manila International Airport project in Oct-2020.

Jan-2020. Philippines' Department of Transportation (DoTr) plans to break ground on the New Manila International Airport project in Bulacan on 15-Jan-2020.

Dec-2019. Philippines' Government delayed groundbreaking works for the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan due to concerns over the contract awarded to San Miguel Corporation.

Sep-2019. Philippines' Department of Transportation (DOTr) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) signed an agreement on 18-Sep-2019, allowing SMC to commence works on the PHP735 billion (USD14 billion) New Manila International Airport project in Bulacan.

Aug-2019. Philippines' Department of Transportation (DOTr) approved San Miguel Corporation's proposal to develop New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.

Apr-2019. The DOTr launched a 'Swiss Challenge' tender for the New Manila International Airport, a call for request for proposals to challenge San Miguel's proposed development.

Dec-2018. Philippines' National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approved negotiation results of the concession agreement between the Philippines Department of Transportation and San Miguel Corporation for the New Manila International Airport project. The PPP proposal involves construction operation, and maintenance of the airport on a 2500 hectare area of land in Bulacan, north of Manila Bay. The proposal entails a total project cost of PHP735.6 billion (USD13.9 billion). 

Nov-2018. Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) signed a MoU with the San Miguel Corporation to collaborate on the development and operation of New Manila International Airport. IIAC intends to utilise its experience developing Seoul Incheon International Airport on reclaimed land to assist in the development of New Manila.

Oct-2018. Bulacan's Provincial Government stated it plans to fully support San Miguel Corporation's proposal to develop New Manila International Airport.

Sep-2018. San Miguel Corporation submitted a revised plan to the Philippines' Department of Transportation for the development of New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.

Aug-2018. Philippines' Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting the end of 2018 to award a PHP735 billion (USD13.7 billion) contract to construct New Manila International Airport.

May-2018. Philippines' San Miguel Corporation (SMC) stated it does not require a partner to develop the proposed PHP700 billion (USD14 billion) New Manila Airport. SMC chief operating officer Ramon Ang commented: "If you look at our balance sheet and our cash flow, we can easily do that airport alone". Under the proposal, SMC will construct and operate the airport for 50 years upon completion.

Apr-2018. Philippines' National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) sought assurances from San Miguel Corporation that it is able to finance and construct the proposed Bulacan International Airport north of Manila. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez added: "The President [Rodrigo Duterte] wants all infrastructure projects to be done quickly; he doesn't discriminate whether it's this or that, he just wants all the infrastructure to be done quickly because he believes that one of the reasons he was elected, is to make life easier for people and this requires precisely better infrastructure development". NEDA approved San Miguel's unsolicited proposal to develop and manage Bulacan Airport earlier in Apr-2018.

Mar-2018. Philippines' business consortium comprising All-Asia Resources and Reclamation Corp and Belle Corporation submitted a USD12 billion unsolicited to develop and construct an airport in Cavite province called Philippine Sangley International Airport (PSIA).

Nov-2017. National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) assistant secretary for policy and planning Jonathan Uy confirmed the association aims to complete deliberations on the proposed New Manila Airport project in Nov-2017. San Miguel Corporation's proposal includes a PHP700 billion (USD13.7 billion), six-year project for a facility capable of handling 100 million passengers p/a. Mr Uy confirmed NEDA has received San Miguel's proposal.

Sep-2017. Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed it received a proposal from San Miguel Corporation to develop the new Manila Airport in Bulacan province. The proposal estimated the project to complete within six years for PHP700 billion (USD13.7 billion). The airport will feature four parallel runways with terminal capacity to handle 100 million passengers p/a.

Jun-2017. Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Aviation Manuel Antonio Tamayo stated proposals for the new Manila Airport has been reallocated as a "medium term" project and will "take backseat for now" while the department concentrates on easing congestion at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Feb-2017

17-Feb-2017. San Miguel Corporation reportedly submitted a PHP700 billion (USD14 billion) proposal to the Philippines’ Department of Transportation for the construction of a new airport in Manila. Plans include up to six runways on a 2500 hectare site in Bulacan province. San Miguel president Ramon S Ang said the project will be built without any government guarantee or subsidy. 

17-Feb-2017. Philippines’ Government received requests from All-Asia Resources & Reclamation Corp to consider two new international airports, located in Sangley and Clark, to help cope with anticipated passenger growth in the Manila region. All-Asia Resources & Reclamation Corp vice chairman Edmund Lim explained an airport in both the north and south side of Luzon would help ease traffic for those in metro Manila. 

16-Feb-2017. San Miguel Corporation submitted a PHP700 billion (USD14 billion) proposal to the Philippines’ Department of Transportation for the construction of a new airport in Manila. Plans include up to six runways on a 2500 hectare site in Bulacan province. San Miguel president Ramon S Ang said the project will be built without any government guarantee or subsidy. Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte said the Government is counting on private investors to upgrade facilities as Manila struggles to cope with infrastructure congestion.

Feb-2017. Philippines PPP Centre announced the Philippines Department of Transportation (DOT) is evaluating several unsolicited proposals for the New Manila Airport project. The proposals include San Miguel Corporation’s USD10 million proposal to develop the airport in Bulacan and All-Asia Resources & Reclamation Corporation’s proposal to develop the airport on reclaimed land at Sangley Point.

Dec-2016.

15-Dec-2016. Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Cherie Mercado stated only San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) proposal for the new Manila Airport project "is under review" as it is considered "serious enough". DOTr expects it will "endorse" the proposal to the National Economic and Development Authority [NEDA] by early 2017. SMC's USD10 billion proposal is looking to develop the airport in Bulacan. A competing proposal by All-Asia Resources & Reclamation Corporation to develop the airport at Sangley Point have allegedly been dismissed by Transport Secretary Arthur P. Tugade. In response to these allegations, Ms Mercado said "As far as the DOTr is concerned…There is no formal proposal yet, but definitely, we are waiting to build another airport apart from Sangley and the Naia [Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport]."

02-Dec-2016. Philippines Department of Transportation (DoTr) Undersecretary for Aviation Roberto C O Lim revealed plans to redevelop a naval base at Sangley Point by Nov-2017 to help decongest Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Mr Lim stated general aviation activities at NAIA will be relocated to Sangley Airport. The project have been under consideration since 2014, Mr Lim said the new airport "will be a game changer for Metro Manila" and a decision will be made by mid 2017.

Oct-2016. New Manila Airport project received interest from Philippines' SM Investments Corporation CEO Henry Sy, who plans to invest in All-Asia Resources & Reclamation Corporation’s USD20 billion proposal for the airport development project.

Sep-2016. Philippines Undersecretary for Transportation-Aviation and Airports Robert Lim stated the government is still analysing a site for the proposed new Manila Airport, considering between Sangley Point and Laguna de Bay.

Jul-2016. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte proposed developing a dedicated runway at the new Manila Airport in Sangley Point for general aviation activities.

Jun-2016. San Miguel Corporation president and CEO Ramon Ang revealed he is in talks with Metro Pacific Investments (MPI) and Ayala Corporation to jointly develop the proposed new Manila Airport, subject to government approval. Both parties are expected to pour out an initial investment of USD2 billion for the first stage which includes development of a terminal and two runways. Mr Ang added his corporation SMC “are continuously looking at other areas” for cooperation and may consider developing power generators, railways and toll roads to support the proposed airport.

May-2016. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) plans to resubmit a proposal for the new Manila Airport to the new presidential administration, according to SMC president Ramon S Ang. Mr Ang said the feasibility study report, conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is being finalised.

Feb-2016. Philippine Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya reported Manila Bay will no longer be pursued as a site option for the new Manila Airport. The latter location received opposition from Philippine Ports Authority as it might interfere with shipping operations. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is expected to present the full feasibility report for Sangley Point in early 2016. 

Oct-2015. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be presenting the full feasibility study for the new Manila Airport in early 2016. Philippines’ National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Arsenio Balisacan reported the process “from feasibility study to actual operations” is expected to take two decades. According to Department of Transportation and Communications secretary Emilio Joseph Abaya, “Sangley will cost about USD10 billion, while the Manila Bay area is at around USD13 billion”. JICA proposed three funding options for the development, an official development assistance (ODA) from Japanese Government, local funding or through Philippines’ public-private partnership scheme. “Cost is one of the major considerations” said Mr Balisacan, “At the end of the day what we want to do is get a funding that is cheaper.”

Sep-2015. Philippines’ Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) reported it is cooperating with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to develop a plan to construct a new international airport by 2025 to ease overcapacity at Manila International Airport. DOTC secretary Emilio Joseph Abaya said a location for the new airport have been provided by the JICA, but the site is awaiting approval from the National Economic and Development Authority. Mr Abaya named Sangley Point as a prime option, as it is “only 20 minutes by land to and from Metro Manila”.

Aug-2015. Philippines' Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has received a feasibility report on the proposed New Manila Sangley Airport, according to transportation secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was appointed to undertake the study, and initially planned to submit the report in 2016. The airport development is estimated to cost the government between USD10 billion to USD13 billion, according to Mr Abaya. Meanwhile, the DOTC undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla said the proposed airport is "beyond the horizon", citing the project will not commence ahead of the presidential elections in May-2016. The department planned to roll out 27 public-private partnership projects, including major airport developments, before President Benigno Aquino's term ends in 2016. Mr Lotilla cited: "In terms of timeframe, preparation is taking long. What we can do is probably just lay the ground works."

May-2015. 

31-May-2015. Philippines' Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) announced the feasibility report on the proposed new airport project in Sangley Point will be released in Jun-2015. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recommended the development of the new airport to alleviate traffic congestion at the existing Manila Airport. JICA expects to complete its feasibility study in 2016, according to chief representative Noriaki Niwa, but agreed to deliver an interim report in Jun-2015.

13-May-2015. Philippines' MP Alfredo Benitez issued a resolution for the immediate construction of the new airport in Sangley Point. Mr Benitez added: "It is incumbent upon the government to urgently address the air traffic congestion problem as it has proved to be detrimental to the country’s economy with the losses incurred in aviation industry’s profits."

Mar-2015. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) commenced data collection site studies for a pre-feasibility study on the proposed new Manila airport at Sangley Point, according to regional director of Southeast Asia Jin Wakabaayshi. JICA has outlined Sangley Point as the preferred site for the new Manilla airport project. However, Mr Wakabaayshi advised, "a concept of a new airport in Sangley requires reclamation on Manila Bay or Laguna Lake", highlighting, "the survey will look into that aspect." JICA will undertake mid-review sessions with the Department of Transportation and Communications regarding its findings, and expects the study will be complete by Jan-2016.

Feb-2015. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will delay the release of its feasibility study on Manila City's proposed second airport to Jan/Feb-2016, citing complexities in "reclamation and target throughput", according to director for Southeast Asia and Pacific Jin Wakabayashi.

Jan-2015. The Philippines' Government plans to commence construction works on the proposed Sangley Airport in 2016, according to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC). DOTC transportation secretary Joseph Abaya advised that the Philippine Reclamation Authority is undertaking a pre-feasibility study on the site planned for the four-runway development. Japan International Cooperation Agency is expected to submit a project feasibility study in Jun-2015. The agency is also expected to finance the USD10 billion development, scheduled for completion in 2025.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya said the Transportation Department is expecting a full study on the proposed new international airport in Sangley Point, Cavite by mid-2015. Mr Abaya said the Cavite site, which previously housed a US naval base, was a suitable option for the new airport and would be one of the "game changing" infrastructure projects the Aquino administration would push in its last 18 months in office. The study is being handled by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which was ready to finance the project, with Mr Abaya stating: “JICA is finishing the study. It is supposed to give it to us in June. Then we go to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to get its approval. Hopefully, we can bring it up to NEDA by July". The USD10 billion airport will have capacity to handle around 55 million annual passengers when it opens in 2025. 

Sep-2014. The DOTC expects the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) feasibility study on proposed the new airport project in Sangley Point will be released in Apr-2015. JICA recommended the proposed and the existing airports operate under an integrated airspace programme, with one ATC tower managing both of Manila City’s airports until 2025.

Aug-2014. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recommended the Philippines Government to seek both official development assistance (ODA) loans and public-private partnership (PPP) programmes to fund its new airport project in Manila City. According to JICA, the proposed funding package will allow the government to construct the proposed four-runway airport.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) stated, in its formal presentation of the proposed Sangley Point Airport project, the new facility will potentially displace approximately 156,000 residents in Manila Bay. According to JICA, the land reclamation and construction programmes could have negative environmental and social impacts on surrounding communities. However, JICA advised "the implementation of proper mitigation and management measures with the participation of affected households and other stakeholders could help mitigate such effects".

Jul-2014. The DOTC is reported to have selected Japanese International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) proposed Sangley Point Airport project over San Miguel Corportation's proposal to construct a new airport in Manila Bay. DOTC will officially decide on which location to build a new four-runway aerodrome in Manila City after SMC and JICA present their proposals. However, DOTC's transportation secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya advised the department had requested San Miguel to present its proposal on two occasions, stating SMC "have their own reasons and we don’t need to find out. So in the absence, we will just pursue Sangley". Mr Abaya disclosed the country's National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will review JICA's proposal, but expects the board will approve the development. Mr Abaya stated the DOTC will apply for either the country's General Appropriations Act, official development assistance or public-private partnership to fund the USD10 billion project.

DOTC transportation assistant secretary Jaime Raphael Feliciano stated SMC submitted a "list of suggestions but not an unsolicited proposal" for its new Manila airport project as requested by the department. SMC's president Ramon Ang confirmed the company refused to submit its proposal, stating the government should present the projects to the public and openly invite prospective businesses to bid on the project tender. Mr Feliciano advised, in absence of SMC's proposal, the government has instructed JICA to conduct full feasibility study on its proposed four-runway airport project.

Jun-2014. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon Ang requested the country's Government to establish a competitive bidding process to address which new airport project will serve Manila City. Mr Ang stated an open three-month bidding war would provide the government with varied options and an opportunity to select a proposal which best serves the city and decongest the existing airport.

DOTC transportation secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya revealed Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) officially presented a proposal to the country's Department of Transport (DoT) and Manila Int Airport Authority to construct a new airport in Sangley Point, on 13-Jun-2014.

May-2014. The DOTC advised the Government will support the Japan Manila (JICA) recommendation to construct a new Manila City airport at Sangley Point over San Miguel Corporation's (SMC) Manila Bay proposal.

The DOTC advised it will officially decide on which location to build a new Manila airport following feasibility study presentations from San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency. DOTC's transportation secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya advised the department will "get a detailed presentation from SMC" to replace NAIA with a new four-runway airport in Manila Bay. However, the Philippine Government stated it will also consider JICA's proposal to construct a new airport at Sangley Point to complement NAIA's flight operations. Mr Abaya stated JICA will undertake a feasibility study of the proposed Sangley Airport project following an evaluation by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Mr Abaya stated the DOTC will expedite NEDA's assessment to allow JICA commence its study. The transportation secretary stated "the next step is a decision on which location is better". Both airport projects are similarly budgeted to cost approximately USD10 billion.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) stated the construction of additional runways at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will better serve the region than pursuing San Miguel Corporation's (SMC) proposed four-runway facility at Manila Bay. CAAP's deputy director general John Andrews supported the government's decision, stating the country should invest more into NAIA to resolve its congestion issues. Mr Andrews stated the new parallel runway programme will enhance operational efficiency at the airport by increasing airfield movements to approximately 70 per hour. Carriers will also save approximately approximately PHP10 billion (USD229 million) in fuel and MRO costs with the new runway. Mr Andrews also noted the new runway is budgeted to cost the government approximately PHP2 billion (USD46 million) whilst the SMC new airport is projected at USD10 billion. According to the deputy director general, upgrading NAIA's facilities would be economically beneficial to aviation operators in the region.

The DOTC advised San Miguel Corporation's (SMC) new Manila airport proposal will be subject to a state review and public bidding. SMC revealed the company will consider Philippine companies as project investors to construct the proposed new airport. The company president highlighted SM Investments Corporation and Ayala Corporation as potential partners should SMC win the tender. SMC reaffirmed the new airport project is budgeted to cost approximately USD10 billion.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) stated it is reviewing San Miguel Corporations' (SMC) new airport proposal to serve Manila. SMC confirmed it is seeking a build-operate-transfer concessional contract. SMC intends to become the airport's operator and recover its investment through aeronautical revenue.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) stated its new Manila airport proposal was successfully presented to the Philippines' President Benigno Aquino on 14-May-2014. SMC president Ramon Ang reportedly stated the country's president was "happy" with the proposal to construct the new airport on reclaimed land at Manila Bay. Mr Ang stated the proposed facility will be designed to handle 250 aircraft traffic per hour. The company's president advised the project will require 1600ha to construct the proposed new four-runway airport. SMC stated the budgeted USD10 billion airport will be a modern facility to rival other aerodromes in the region. SMC proposed it will finance the development costs and turn over the rights of the airport to the Philippine Government. In return, SMC will assume operational control of the proposed airport and recover its investment through aeronautical revenue. Mr Ang advised the company will negotiate "for a return on equity of 10%".

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will present a proposal for a new airport to the Philippines' President Benigno Aquino ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit in May. Subject to the Philippine Government's approval, the airport could be operational with two runways in five years and possibly four runways in seven. The new facility could reduce congestion at the region's existing Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) stated it is still committed to constructing a new airport in Manila despite the Philippine Government deferring the company's Sangley International Airport proposal in Apr-2014. SMC stated it plans to continue pursuing the construction of a new airport and considers Manila Bay as a potential location. SMC's president Ramon Ang stated the company has drafted blueprints to construct a four-runway airport at the 800ha reclaimed land plot. SMC stated it plans for Philippine Airlines to serve the new airport exclusively. SMC have commenced talks with construction contractors from Japan and South Korea over the project. Mr Ang stated the company plans to submit its new Manila Bay proposal to the country's president in May-2014.