If you’re flying through Manila, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually find yourself at NAIA Terminal 3.
Terminal 3 is the busiest terminal at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and handles a huge mix of domestic and international flights. It is the main base of Cebu Pacific in Manila, but it is also used by major international airlines flying to destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States.
And if you haven’t been to Terminal 3 for a while, you may notice that it looks different.
NAIA has been undergoing a major modernization program since New NAIA Infra Corp. took over airport operations in September 2024. Terminal 3 has received new restaurants, food halls, automated passenger-processing systems, biometric immigration e-gates, renovated commercial areas and a major new premium lounge.
So whether you’re flying from Terminal 3, picking someone up, transferring between terminals or simply trying to figure out where to eat before your flight, here’s a practical guide to NAIA Terminal 3.
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Where Is NAIA Terminal 3?
NAIA Terminal 3 is located along Andrews Avenue in Pasay City, beside Newport City and Newport World Resorts.
One advantage of Terminal 3 compared with the other NAIA terminals is its connection to Newport City through Runway Manila, an elevated pedestrian bridge linking the airport with the Newport area.
This makes Terminal 3 particularly convenient if you’re staying at one of the hotels around Newport City. Newport World Resorts also operates a 24/7 shuttle service at the Newport end of Runway Manila for Terminal 3 passengers.
Terminal 3 is also accessible through the NAIA Expressway. In March 2026, a new Andrews Avenue off-ramp opened, creating a more direct connection from NAIAX toward Terminal 3. According to NNIC, the new link can save motorists roughly 15 to 25 minutes compared with the previous route during congested periods.
Airlines at NAIA Terminal 3
This is probably the most important thing to check before going to the airport because NAIA airline assignments have changed several times.
As of September 2026, the official NAIA airline directory lists the following carriers at 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 operates both domestic and international flights from Terminal 3, which is why you’ll often see a large number of Cebu Pacific passengers throughout the terminal.
Meanwhile, AirAsia Philippines currently uses Terminal 2 for domestic flights and Terminal 1 for its international operations according to NAIA’s official airline directory, so don’t automatically assume every low-cost airline departs from Terminal 3.
Always Check Your Flight Before Leaving Home
Even with a current airline list, I would still check your actual flight before heading to NAIA.
Look at your airline app, boarding pass or the official NAIA flight tracker.
This becomes particularly important with codeshare flights. Your ticket may have one airline’s flight number while the flight is actually operated by another carrier. Terminal information can also change because of operational requirements.
So the safest rule is simple: check the terminal attached to your actual flight on the day of departure.
What Is Inside NAIA Terminal 3?
Terminal 3 is essentially divided into several major levels.
Level 1 is primarily the arrivals area. You’ll also find transportation services, some restaurants, convenience stores and the newer TamBayan Filipino Food Hall here.
Level 3 is the main departure level, where airline check-in counters, security access and many shops and restaurants are located.
Level 4 has additional restaurants, commercial establishments, The Wings Transit Hotel and the First Meridian Lounge.
There is also a mezzanine dining area between the main terminal levels.
Over 65 new restaurant and retail concepts have opened at Terminal 3 as part of the continuing redevelopment of NAIA.
Restaurants at NAIA Terminal 3
One area where Terminal 3 has improved significantly is food.
Years ago, passengers mostly relied on the familiar fast-food restaurants upstairs. Today, the terminal has several separate dining areas, ranging from quick snacks and Filipino food to ramen, burgers and full-service restaurants.
Mezzanine Food Hall
One of the biggest additions is the Mezzanine Food Hall, which opened in October 2025.
The dining area covers around 6,000 square meters and was developed to provide passengers with more choices before their flights. Its opening lineup included Kenny Rogers Roasters, Seattle’s Best Coffee, LA Chicks, Paris Baguette, KFC, Chili’s, Nanyang, BreadTalk and J.CO Reserve.
Additional concepts announced for the food hall included Angel’s Pizza, Banapple, Chowking, Mama Lou’s, Marugame Udon, Mary Grace, Modern Shang, Pancake House, Popeyes, UCC and Watami.
This has made Terminal 3 much better for families and passengers who want a proper meal rather than simply grabbing something beside the boarding gate.
TamBayan All-Filipino Food Hall
Another interesting addition is TamBayan on Level 1.
Instead of concentrating on international chains, this food hall highlights Filipino dishes and regional flavors.
The official NAIA dining directory currently lists establishments including Abub’s Lechon Cebu, Ala Eh Batangueño, Bale Pampagueño, Bicolano, Cosina Ilocos, Palm Grill Mindanao, Via Mare, Pan de Coco and Bo’s Coffee.
This is actually a nice place to bring arriving foreign visitors if you want them to get their first taste of Filipino food before even leaving the airport.
Restaurants Around the Departure Area
Once you’re closer to your flight, there are plenty of other options.
Terminal 3 currently has establishments including Jollibee, McDonald’s, Goldilocks, Racks, Tenya, Starbucks, Conti’s, Ramen Nagi, Cibo, Gloria Maris, BHC Chicken and Shake Shack. Many locations operate 24 hours, although operating hours differ by branch.
There are also smaller coffee shops and snack counters around the North and South Wings, including Bo’s Coffee, Highlands Coffee, Chatime, Fruitas, Henlin, Tapa King and Potato Corner.
My suggestion is not to assume that you need to eat before arriving at Terminal 3. There are now enough choices that you can comfortably have breakfast, lunch or dinner inside the terminal.
Just remember that some restaurants are located before security while others are inside the pre-departure area. If you’re meeting family members who aren’t flying, choose one of the public dining areas before going through security.
NAIA Terminal 3 Lounges
This section is worth updating because some older online guides are already outdated.
As of August 25, 2026, NAIA’s official directory lists three main lounge or relaxation facilities at Terminal 3: First Meridian Lounge, the OFW Lounge and The Wings Transit Hotel & Spa.
First Meridian Lounge
The biggest development is the First Meridian Lounge.
Located on Level 4 in the international pre-departure area, the lounge covers approximately 2,600 square meters and operates 24 hours a day. It opened in 2026 as a shared premium facility for eligible passengers from participating international airlines.
The facility includes dining areas, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, work spaces, showers and other premium amenities. Cathay Pacific currently lists the First Meridian Lounge as its Manila lounge and describes it as offering food, drinks, Wi-Fi, meeting facilities, printers and showers.
Eligible passengers currently include travelers from airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Japan Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines, although access depends on your ticket class, airline status and your airline’s agreement with the lounge.
Singapore Airlines passengers should take particular note of the change. The airline’s old SilverKris Lounge at Terminal 3 closed on June 15, 2026, and eligible Singapore Airlines passengers are now directed to First Meridian Lounge.
If lounge access matters to you, confirm eligibility with your airline instead of relying on an older Priority Pass or lounge guide because Terminal 3’s lounge arrangements have changed considerably in 2026.
OFW Lounge
Terminal 3 also has a dedicated OFW Lounge on Level 3 near the departure area.
The facility is designed specifically for Overseas Filipino Workers and operates 24 hours. It includes comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, charging facilities, flight information and complimentary food and drinks for qualified OFWs.
For many OFWs flying out of Manila, this is definitely worth checking before spending money at a commercial airport lounge.
The Wings Transit Hotel & Spa
If you have a long layover or an early-morning flight, The Wings Transit Hotel & Spa is another option.
It is located on Level 4 in the concession area and operates 24 hours.
Unlike a normal airline lounge, The Wings is intended more for passengers who want somewhere to rest or sleep during a long wait.
NAIA Terminal 3 Parking
Terminal 3 is probably the easiest NAIA terminal for passengers who plan to bring their own vehicle because it has multiple parking areas, including a large multi-level parking building.
There are currently three main parking options associated with Terminal 3: Carpark 1, Carpark 2 and the Multi-Level Parking Building near the arrivals area around Bay 14. Real-time parking availability has also been introduced so motorists can check spaces before entering.
Current 2026 rates are:
| Vehicle | First 2 Hours | Succeeding Hour | 24-Hour/Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | ₱56 | ₱25 | ₱1,200 |
| Motorcycle | ₱22 | ₱10 | ₱480 |
| Bus | ₱112 | ₱50 | ₱2,400 |
Verified airline passengers may qualify for a 50% discount on the standard overnight parking charge after their flight details are validated. For a car, that reduces the standard ₱1,200 overnight rate to ₱600.
NAIA also introduced an automated parking system beginning at Terminal 3 in March 2025. Payment options were expanded beyond cash to include GCash, Maya and bank cards.
If you’re leaving your vehicle for several days, calculate the cost first. Airport parking can still be convenient, especially for families with luggage, but the overnight rate adds up quickly.
Grab and Ride-Hailing at Terminal 3
For many passengers arriving in Manila, Grab is still one of the easiest ways to leave Terminal 3.
However, pickups no longer simply happen anywhere along the arrivals curb.
NAIA has a centralized ride-hailing and transport hub located within the Terminal 3 multi-level parking area. The facility was designed with dedicated loading bays and lanes for transport network vehicles. Grab was the first major operator to transfer to the hub, followed by services including JoyRide.
If you book through an app, follow the pickup instructions shown in the app and the airport signs instead of waiting randomly outside the arrivals doors.
There are also booking areas where passengers without a ride-hailing app can arrange a ride.
Avoid accepting rides from drivers approaching you personally inside or outside the terminal. NNIC has repeatedly advised passengers to use accredited transportation providers after reports of unauthorized taxis collecting excessive fares.
UBE Express Airport Bus
For budget-conscious travelers, UBE Express remains one of the most convenient public transportation options from Terminal 3.
As of August 2026, the two main longer-distance UBE Express routes operating from NAIA were the NAIA–PITX route and NAIA–Robinsons Santa Rosa route. The Terminal 3 loading area is at the arrivals level around Bay 12.
The NAIA–PITX fare was ₱150, while the Terminal 3–Robinsons Santa Rosa route was ₱300 as of the August 2026 published schedule. UBE also operates an airport-terminal loop for ₱50.
Some routes that previously operated to Cubao, Alabang, Imus and other Metro Manila destinations have been suspended at different points in 2026, so check the latest UBE Express schedule before planning your trip around one of these buses.
For passengers from Cavite, Batangas, Quezon and other areas south of Metro Manila, the PITX route can be particularly useful because you can transfer there to provincial and city buses.
Transferring Between NAIA Terminals
One thing first-time visitors sometimes misunderstand is that NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are not connected by a normal indoor walkway.
You cannot simply walk from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 through the airport.
NAIA operates free inter-terminal shuttle buses, and NNIC says these buses run approximately every 15 minutes on a continuous loop.
If you have a connecting flight at another terminal, follow the transfer signs or approach airport staff after arrival.
Do not underestimate the transfer time.
Even though the terminals appear close to each other on a map, Manila traffic around the airport can slow down transfers considerably. Immigration, baggage collection, terminal transfers and another security check can also consume a large part of your connection.
If you have separate airline tickets involving different terminals, I would leave a generous buffer.
Walking From Terminal 3 to Newport City
One feature unique to Terminal 3 is Runway Manila.
This elevated, air-conditioned pedestrian bridge connects Terminal 3 with Newport City on the other side of Andrews Avenue.
It is especially useful if you’re staying near Newport World Resorts because you can avoid taking a vehicle just to cross the busy road.
Newport currently operates a 24/7 Runway Manila shuttle service on the Newport City side for arriving and departing Terminal 3 passengers.
Around Newport City you’ll find hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops and Newport Mall, making this area convenient for long layovers or overnight stays.
Just remember that Runway Manila connects only with Terminal 3. It does not connect Terminal 3 with NAIA Terminals 1 or 2.
Arriving at Terminal 3
If your international flight lands at Terminal 3, you’ll normally proceed through immigration before collecting your checked baggage.
Terminal 3 is one of the NAIA terminals equipped with the newer biometric immigration e-gates. NNIC says 78 biometric immigration gates have been deployed across Terminals 1 and 3 as part of the modernization program.
Once you’ve collected your luggage and cleared customs, you’ll emerge on Level 1.
From here you can access the transportation area, Grab and other accredited transport services, UBE Express buses, parking areas and restaurants.
There are also convenience and retail shops around the arrivals area, including Uncle John’s and Travel Free Shop, both listed as operating 24 hours in the current NAIA directory.
Departing From Terminal 3
For domestic flights, arriving around two hours before departure is normally a sensible minimum, but give yourself more time during holidays and peak travel periods.
For international flights, arriving around three hours before your scheduled departure remains the safer option.
Terminal 3 can become extremely busy, particularly around long weekends, Christmas, Holy Week and early-morning international departure banks.
If you’re checking baggage, allow time for the airline counter even if you’ve already checked in online.
After check-in, international passengers proceed through immigration and security before entering the airside departure area.
Don’t go through security too early if you’re planning to meet family or eat at a restaurant located in the public section of the terminal. Once you’ve entered the restricted departure area, you generally cannot return to the public side simply to eat or meet someone.
Is NAIA Terminal 3 Open 24 Hours?
Terminal 3 handles flights throughout the day and night, and many of its facilities operate 24 hours.
The official NAIA directory currently lists numerous restaurants, coffee shops, convenience stores and lounges as operating around the clock. These include First Meridian Lounge, The Wings Transit Hotel, OFW Lounge, Jollibee, McDonald’s, Racks and several other food outlets.
However, not every restaurant or shop is open 24 hours.
If you have a midnight or early-morning flight and you’re counting on a specific restaurant, check its operating hours first.
Quick NAIA Terminal 3 Tips
My biggest advice is to treat your terminal assignment as something you verify every time you fly, even if you’ve flown the same airline before.
Airlines have moved between NAIA terminals several times during the airport’s ongoing reorganization.
For Terminal 3 specifically, give yourself additional walking time after security because the terminal is long and your boarding gate may be far from immigration or the lounge area. If you’re using First Meridian Lounge, keep an eye on boarding time instead of waiting until the last minute.
For arriving passengers, using the official Grab pickup area or UBE Express is usually easier than negotiating transportation outside the terminal.
And if you have several hours to spare, Terminal 3 is no longer a place where you necessarily have to sit beside the gate. Between the new food halls, restaurants, lounges, shops and easy access to Newport City, there are now far more ways to spend a long wait.
Final Thoughts
NAIA Terminal 3 has changed a lot.
It is still a very busy airport terminal, and Manila traffic remains something every traveler needs to factor into the journey. But compared with a few years ago, Terminal 3 now has considerably more dining options, better passenger facilities, improved parking systems, new transportation arrangements and a much larger premium lounge.
For most travelers, the important things are straightforward: confirm that your flight really departs from Terminal 3, arrive early, know where your transportation pickup point is, and give yourself enough time to navigate the terminal.
Do that, and your trip through NAIA Terminal 3 becomes much easier.
And with the airport continuing to modernize, I’ll keep this guide updated whenever airlines move terminals, new restaurants open, transportation routes change or additional passenger facilities become available.
