Yikes: According to a Recent Study, NAIA Is the ‘Worst Business Class Airport in the World’

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by Edgardo Toledo | May 30, 2022

In a study released by Bounce Luggage Storage ranking airlines and airports worldwide, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) received the lowest average business class score among the 38 airports listed, getting only 0.88 out of 10.

NAIA’s average business class score was calculated using its number of lounges, destinations served, on-time performance between June 2018 and May 2019, and rating from Skytrax. Among the 38 airports, NAIA ranked last in terms of destinations served and annual on-time flights. NAIA’s Skytrax rating is 3 — the lowest in the study — but tied with 18 other airports. In terms of lounges, NAIA placed 25th out of 38.

Other airports that received low average business class scores were the Gatwick Airport (UK), with 1.82 out of 10, followed by the Newark Liberty International Airport (USA), garnering 2.03 out of 10.  

DOTr responds

However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) responded to the luggage app’s study in a released statement. The government agency called the study “unsubstantiated”, saying that NAIA’s facilities have improved in recent years. DOTr also added that illegal schemes like “laglag-bala” and unwarranted opening of passenger baggage have been resolved.

“While the ‘study’ shows unfavorable rating and unsubstantiated claims about NAIA, it cannot be denied that significant improvements have been carried out in the country’s main gateway in the past six years under the Duterte administration,” the department says. 

DOTr highlighted that NAIA made it to the top 10 of the world’s most improved airports by World Airport Awards in 2018. The department, which is also working together with the Manila International Airport Authority for NAIA’s improvement projects, also says more plans are on the way to provide a comfortable travel experience for passengers. 

Meanwhile, airports like Heathrow Airport (UK), Haneda Airport (Japan), and Changi Airport (Singapore) occupied the top three spots of “the best airports for traveling in comfort” ranking. 

What’s your reaction to this study?