The country’s premier airport continues to face issues with errant taxi drivers.
In response, the management and operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has implemented additional measures to enhance enforcement. This includes tighter monitoring of drop-offs, improved curbside surveillance, and better coordination with transport authorities.
On Monday, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the airport’s private operator, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), formed a team to investigate a recent incident involving a metered taxi that allegedly charged a passenger over ₱1,200 for a short trip between NAIA Terminals 3 and 2.
“We are reviewing CCTV footage to determine how and where the unauthorized pickup occurred,” NNIC stated.
Initial findings confirm that the vehicle involved was not among the accredited transport providers authorized to pick up passengers at the airport. The Airport Police Mobile Patrol Unit is now actively monitoring and targeting non-accredited and colorum taxis operating at the airport to prevent similar incidents.
MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines has also sought assistance from the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) regarding this matter.
To facilitate easier movement between terminals, the NNIC has provided free inter-terminal shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes, operating on a continuous loop throughout the day.
“This service ensures convenient, safe, and cost-free transfers without the need to book or pay for a separate vehicle,” the NNIC emphasized.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon already ordered the immediate suspension and eventual revocation of the driver’s license of a Taxihub Transport driver, identified as the person who overcharged a passenger, as evidenced in a video recording.
“Charging ₱1,200 between (NAIA) Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 is excessive and unacceptable,” said Dizon.
Only accredited Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), such as Grab and Joyride Super Taxi, are permitted to pick up passengers at NAIA. These services operate from a centralized hub at Terminal 3.
For Terminals 1 and 2, passengers are advised to use only official, accredited transport services available at the arrival curbside. They can also utilize ride-hailing apps and proceed to their designated pickup points.
Metered taxis are allowed entry strictly for drop-offs to ensure public access to the airport, but they are not authorized to solicit or accept passengers.
MIAA and NNIC continues to remind passengers through on-site announcements and its official social media pages to avoid unauthorized transport services and to use only accredited providers.
Other infractions committed by non-accredited taxi drivers include reckless driving, refusal to transport passengers, contracting, arrogance, improper queuing, and even threats to their clients.
