If there is one thing every traveler flying through Manila should check before leaving home, it is the terminal number.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA is not one huge terminal building. Its terminals are located in different areas around the airport complex, and going to the wrong one can mean an unexpected taxi ride, a stressful transfer, and potentially missing your flight.
It can get even more confusing because NAIA terminal assignments have changed several times over the years.
So if you’re flying from Manila soon, here’s an updated guide to the airlines operating at NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
This guide is based primarily on the current airline information published by New NAIA Infra Corp. or NNIC, the operator of NAIA, as of September 23, 2026.
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NAIA Terminal Assignments at a Glance
For the airlines most Filipino travelers frequently use, this is the easiest way to remember the current setup:
| Airline | Domestic Flights | International Flights |
|---|---|---|
| Philippine Airlines | Terminal 2 | Terminal 1 |
| PAL Express | Terminal 2 | — |
| Cebu Pacific | Terminal 3 | Terminal 3 |
| AirAsia Philippines | Terminal 2 | Terminal 1 |
NNIC’s recent flight information also shows this arrangement in actual operations: Philippine Airlines international flights appear at Terminal 1, PAL/PAL Express domestic flights at Terminal 2, AirAsia Philippines domestic flights at Terminal 2 and international flights at Terminal 1, while Cebu Pacific uses Terminal 3 for both domestic and international services.
Now let’s look at each terminal.
NAIA Terminal 1 Airlines
Terminal 1 is primarily an international terminal.
It is particularly important for Philippine Airlines passengers because PAL’s international operations use Terminal 1.
According to NNIC’s current airline directory, these airlines or operators are assigned to Terminal 1:
| Airline | Code |
|---|---|
| Air Niugini | PX |
| AirAsia Berhad | AK |
| AirAsia Philippines | Z2 |
| Air India | AI |
| Asiana Airlines | OZ |
| Bamboo Airways | QH |
| China Airlines | CI |
| China Central Airlines | I9 |
| EVA Air | BR |
| Hong Kong Air Cargo | RH |
| Korean Air | KE |
| Kuwait Airways | KU |
| Malaysia Airlines | MH |
| Oman Air | WY |
| Philippine Airlines | PR |
| Saudia | SV |
| VietJet Air | VJ |
| Xiamen Air | MF |
One important detail here is AirAsia.
AirAsia Philippines uses different terminals depending on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.
For an AirAsia Philippines international flight, you’ll generally go to Terminal 1.
For an AirAsia Philippines domestic flight, you’ll generally use Terminal 2.
There is also AirAsia Berhad, the Malaysian AirAsia carrier with the airline code AK, which NNIC currently lists under Terminal 1.
Philippine Airlines International Flights – Terminal 1
This is probably the most important PAL rule to remember:
Philippine Airlines international flights operate from NAIA Terminal 1.
So if you’re flying PAL from Manila to destinations such as Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Vancouver or other international destinations, Terminal 1 should generally be your starting point.
Recent NAIA flight information, for example, shows PAL flights to international destinations such as Vancouver and Jakarta operating from Terminal 1.
Just remember:
PAL International = Terminal 1
PAL Domestic = Terminal 2
NAIA Terminal 2 Airlines
Terminal 2 is currently the easiest terminal to understand because it focuses on domestic services.
NNIC currently lists three airline brands at Terminal 2:
| Airline | Code |
|---|---|
| Philippine Airlines | PR |
| PAL Express | 2P |
| AirAsia Philippines | Z2 |
Philippine Airlines Domestic Flights – Terminal 2
All Philippine Airlines domestic flights operate from Terminal 2.
PAL has separately confirmed that its domestic flights continue to use Terminal 2.
That includes many popular Philippine routes such as:
Manila to Cebu
Manila to Davao
Manila to Iloilo
Manila to Bacolod
Manila to Puerto Princesa
Manila to Caticlan
Manila to Tagbilaran
Manila to General Santos
Manila to Laoag
Manila to Dumaguete
Depending on the flight, the service may be operated under Philippine Airlines or PAL Express.
Recent NAIA flight data continues to show PAL and PAL Express domestic flights operating from Terminal 2.
AirAsia Philippines Domestic Flights – Terminal 2
If you’re flying domestically with AirAsia Philippines, check Terminal 2.
Recent NAIA flight information shows AirAsia Philippines flights such as Manila–Bacolod, Manila–Cebu and Manila–Caticlan using Terminal 2.
Again, the easy rule is:
AirAsia Domestic = Terminal 2
AirAsia International = Terminal 1
NAIA Terminal 3 Airlines
Terminal 3 currently handles the largest variety of airlines.
It serves both domestic and international flights and is especially important because it is the Manila hub of Cebu Pacific.
According to NNIC’s current directory, the following airlines are assigned to Terminal 3:
| Airline | Code |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | AC |
| Air China | CA |
| Air France | AF |
| Air Macau | NX |
| All Nippon Airways | NH |
| Cathay Pacific | CX |
| Cebu Pacific | 5J |
| China Eastern Airlines | MU |
| China Southern Airlines | CZ |
| Emirates | EK |
| Ethiopian Airlines | ET |
| Etihad Airways | EY |
| Greater Bay Airlines | HB |
| Gulf Air | GF |
| HK Express | UO |
| Japan Airlines | JL |
| Jeju Air | 7C |
| Jetstar | JQ |
| Jetstar Japan | GK |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | KL |
| Qantas | QF |
| Qatar Airways | QR |
| Royal Brunei Airlines | BI |
| Scoot | TR |
| Shenzhen Airlines | ZH |
| Singapore Airlines | SQ |
| STARLUX Airlines | JX |
| Thai Airways | TG |
| Turkish Airlines | TK |
| United Airlines | UA |
| Vietnam Airlines | VN |
Cebu Pacific – Terminal 3
For most travelers, this is another easy one to remember:
Cebu Pacific = Terminal 3.
That applies to both domestic and international Cebu Pacific services in the current NAIA setup.
Recent departure information from NAIA shows Cebu Pacific flights to domestic destinations such as Bacolod, Cebu and Tuguegarao as well as international destinations such as Singapore, Shanghai, Bangkok and Jakarta operating from Terminal 3.
So whether you’re flying Cebu Pacific to Cebu or Singapore, Terminal 3 is currently the terminal to check.
Still, always look at your actual booking before traveling because individual operational changes can happen.
Several International Airlines Have Moved to Terminal 3
One reason older NAIA terminal guides can now be confusing is that several international airlines were transferred to Terminal 3 during the latest terminal reorganization.
Among the airlines now operating from Terminal 3 are:
Air China
China Eastern Airlines
Japan Airlines
Royal Brunei Airlines
Shenzhen Airlines
Vietnam Airlines
These airlines previously appeared in older Terminal 1 guides, which is why travelers should be careful when relying on old blog posts, Facebook posts or screenshots.
The reassignment of Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines and Royal Brunei to Terminal 3 was scheduled to begin on March 29, 2026, while Japan Airlines followed from April 1.
NNIC’s current airline directory now lists all six under Terminal 3.
What Happened to NAIA Terminal 4?
Older travel guides will often tell you that NAIA has four passenger terminals.
Historically, that was correct.
Terminal 4, also known as the old Manila Domestic Passenger Terminal, was previously used by smaller domestic and turboprop operators.
But if you check NNIC’s current airline directory, the passenger terminal selector now lists only:
Terminal 1
Terminal 2
Terminal 3
There is currently no Terminal 4 airline category in that directory.
Plans had earlier been discussed to develop a new Terminal 4 at the former International Cargo Terminal area. However, MIAA General Manager Eric Ines said in late August 2026 that the proposed Terminal 4 rehabilitation would no longer proceed and that the International Cargo Terminal area was instead expected to be used for aircraft parking.
For travelers, the practical takeaway is simple:
Don’t assume you need to go to Terminal 4 because you found it in an old NAIA guide.
Follow the terminal printed on your current booking and check the latest airline or airport information.
Which NAIA Terminal Does Philippine Airlines Use?
Philippine Airlines uses two terminals depending on your destination.
International flights:
NAIA Terminal 1
Domestic flights:
NAIA Terminal 2
PAL Express domestic flights also use Terminal 2.
This is especially important if you have a connecting PAL itinerary.
For example, imagine you’re arriving in Manila from Japan on Philippine Airlines and continuing to Iloilo.
Your international flight would normally arrive at Terminal 1.
Your Iloilo domestic flight would normally leave from Terminal 2.
That means you need to transfer between terminals.
Which NAIA Terminal Does Cebu Pacific Use?
Cebu Pacific currently operates from:
NAIA Terminal 3
This applies to both domestic and international Cebu Pacific flights under the current assignment.
This makes connections between Cebu Pacific domestic and international services potentially simpler because both operate within Terminal 3, although passengers may still need to complete baggage, immigration, security and check-in procedures depending on their itinerary.
Which NAIA Terminal Does AirAsia Use?
AirAsia is another airline where you really need to look at whether your flight is domestic or international.
AirAsia Philippines domestic:
Terminal 2
AirAsia Philippines international:
Terminal 1
NNIC currently lists AirAsia Philippines under both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and recent flight information confirms domestic Z2 flights at Terminal 2 and international Z2 flights at Terminal 1.
Can the Same Airline Use More Than One NAIA Terminal?
Yes.
This is one of the reasons I wouldn’t recommend memorizing only the airline name.
Philippine Airlines and AirAsia Philippines are good examples.
PAL uses Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights.
AirAsia Philippines similarly uses Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights.
You should always check:
Your airline
Your flight number
Whether the flight is domestic or international
Your terminal number
And if you’re on a codeshare flight, pay attention to the operating airline rather than just the airline that sold you the ticket.
What If I Go to the Wrong NAIA Terminal?
This is where things can become stressful.
NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are separate buildings. You can’t simply walk through an indoor corridor from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 like you can at some airports overseas.
You may need an inter-terminal transfer.
NNIC has said that free inter-terminal shuttle buses operate on a continuous loop, and in August 2026 the operator reported that it had deployed 20 inter-terminal shuttle buses around NAIA.
But don’t make a habit of intentionally going to the wrong terminal and relying on the shuttle.
Manila traffic can be unpredictable, and airport procedures such as baggage check-in, security and immigration take additional time.
Check your terminal before leaving home.
How to Check Your NAIA Terminal Before Your Flight
Even with a guide like this, your actual flight information should always be the final reference.
Before heading to NAIA, check:
- Your airline booking confirmation or e-ticket.
- Your airline’s official website or mobile app.
- Your online check-in confirmation.
- NAIA’s official flight information.
- Any email or SMS notification from your airline.
I would personally check again on the day before the flight and once more before leaving for the airport.
Terminal assignments can change due to operational requirements.
Don’t Rely Only on the Destination
Another common mistake is assuming that all international flights use one terminal or all domestic flights use another.
That isn’t how NAIA currently works.
For example:
PAL international → Terminal 1
AirAsia international → Terminal 1
Korean Air → Terminal 1
But:
Cebu Pacific international → Terminal 3
Singapore Airlines → Terminal 3
Emirates → Terminal 3
Japan Airlines → Terminal 3
Cathay Pacific → Terminal 3
Meanwhile, domestic flights can also use different terminals.
PAL domestic → Terminal 2
AirAsia domestic → Terminal 2
Cebu Pacific domestic → Terminal 3
So the destination alone isn’t enough.
You need the airline and terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Philippine Airlines at NAIA?
Philippine Airlines international flights operate from Terminal 1, while Philippine Airlines domestic flights operate from Terminal 2.
What terminal is Cebu Pacific at NAIA?
Cebu Pacific currently uses Terminal 3 for its Manila operations, including domestic and international flights.
What terminal is AirAsia Philippines?
AirAsia Philippines domestic flights use Terminal 2, while its international services use Terminal 1.
What terminal is Japan Airlines at NAIA?
Japan Airlines currently operates from NAIA Terminal 3. The airline transferred from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 in 2026.
What terminal is Singapore Airlines at NAIA?
Singapore Airlines is assigned to Terminal 3.
What terminal is Emirates at NAIA?
Emirates operates from NAIA Terminal 3.
What terminal is Qatar Airways at NAIA?
Qatar Airways is assigned to Terminal 3.
What terminal is Korean Air at NAIA?
Korean Air is currently assigned to Terminal 1.
What terminal is Cathay Pacific at NAIA?
Cathay Pacific is currently assigned to Terminal 3.
What terminal is Air Canada at NAIA?
Air Canada is listed under Terminal 3 in NNIC’s current airline directory.
What terminal is United Airlines at NAIA?
United Airlines is currently assigned to Terminal 3.
Is NAIA Terminal 2 domestic only?
In the current arrangement, Terminal 2 is used for domestic operations of Philippine Airlines, PAL Express and AirAsia Philippines.
Final Reminder
NAIA is slowly becoming easier to understand, but terminal changes over the past few years mean there is a lot of outdated information still circulating online.
If you only remember four things, make them these:
Philippine Airlines international – Terminal 1
Philippine Airlines domestic – Terminal 2
AirAsia international – Terminal 1 and AirAsia domestic – Terminal 2
Cebu Pacific – Terminal 3
For other international airlines, check the complete Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 lists above.
And most importantly, check the terminal printed on your actual ticket before leaving for NAIA.
A two-minute check at home can save you from a very stressful terminal transfer once you’re already at the airport.
Terminal assignments in this guide are based on information available as of September 23, 2026. Airlines and airport operators may change terminals for operational reasons, so passengers should always confirm their terminal directly with their airline before traveling.
