More ways to travel! Two new airlines bound to offer flights to and from NAIA

Filipino travelers now have more ways to satisfy their wanderlust, as two new airlines have just launched into the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) announced on Thursday, Nov. 9, that Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air are set to begin their operation at the country's main gateway starting November.

Hongkong-based carrier Greater Bay Airlines (HB) is set to operate five days a week and offer flights between its home country and the Philippines starting Nov. 9. Its inaugural flights to and fro Manila began with flight HB 231 arriving in NAIA Terminal 3 at 2 a.m. and flight HB 232 departing the airport at 3 a.m.

Booking flights on its website start at HK$440 (P3,150) inclusive of baggage allowance, fares and carrier-imposed surcharges, taxes, fees, and charges. Extra baggage allowance, as well as rebooking fees and refunds come as add-ons.

Meanwhile, Batik Air (OD) which is based in Malaysia, is offering daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Manila beginning Dec. 1. Its operation in the Philippines will take off with flight OD 510 arriving at NAIA Terminal 3 at 2:50 a.m. and flight OD 511 departing from the same gateway at 3:50 a.m. that day.

Price of tickets are not yet available on the airline's website, but flights from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong start at RM524 or P6,243 inclusive of 20kg of baggage allowance.

Both Greater Bay and Batik Air's Philippine launch increased the air shuttles passing through NAIA to 48. 42 of which are international carriers serving 57 international destinations.

MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co said that it also strengthen's NAIA's position among the most connected airports in the world. The country's main gateway took the 15th spot in OAG Megahub Index 2023’s top 50 global airport megahubs and ranked 6th in Asia's top international megahubs and 3rd among the top-25 low-cost carrier airports.

Co said that Greater Bay and Batik Air's inclusion in the list of airlines running in the country not only expands "the range of destinations for Filipinos and international guest flying to and from NAIA," but it also benefits passengers "who will have access to more affordabe and competitive airfares and flight options."

MIAA said that is anticipating the arrival of additional new airlines in the future.