‘Worst airport’ now looking much better

IT HAS long been criticised for its dilapidated facilities, rude workers and long waiting times. But now, officials says things are changing. They’ve “even raised the ceiling”.

IT HAS topped lists of the world’s worst airports several times.

But now, things are changing at Philippines’ main international airport. President Benigno Aquino has hailed renovations that are taking place, expressing optimism it would soon shake off its negative ranking.

Almost a year after he personally apologised for the failure of air-conditioning at Terminal 1 of Manila’s international airport, Aquino said the facility appeared to be completely different.

Travellers weren’t happy to be stuck here. Picture: Paul Pajo

“It is like I have entered a completely different airport,” he said as he inspected the 34-year-old terminal.

It was rusting away. Picture: Ahla

Asked if the terminal would no longer be called the world’s worst, Aquino told reporters: “That’s up to you, but they even raised the ceiling.”

Ninoy Aquino International Airport — named after the president’s father, who was assassinated there in 1983 — topped the list of worst airports on the travel website The Guide to Sleeping in Airports from 2011-2013.

Unhappy travellers at the airport. Picture: Steve Bott

Travellers have long criticised its “dilapidated facilities”, dishonest airport workers, rude officials and long waiting times, the website said.

To be completed by May 2015, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in #Philippines receives face-lift. pic.twitter.com/ksJx9AtVjl

— safriat yussuff (@saymamaa) March 9, 2015

However in its 2014 survey, the Manila terminal improved its standing — to only the fourth worst in the world, after Islamabad, Jeddah and Kathmandu airports.

At Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 #travel #airports pic.twitter.com/yNLfOoCgiy

— kin| Boardinggate101 (@kintoy) April 1, 2015