The Almost Forgotten Manila Domestic Terminal

I could not remember the last time I last step foot on the Manila Domestic Terminal. It has been really ages ago. I even had this thought that it’s already closed since most people have been using Terminal 3 or Terminal 2 all these years.

Until last weekend when I flew to Coron, Palawan for a short vacation.

Some information about the Domestic Terminal from Wikipedia.

“This terminal is host to all domestic flights within the Philippines that are operated by Zest Air and South East Asian Airlines. There are no jet bridges and passengers walk to and from the aircraft or are occasionally bussed. Twenty-six Check-in counters are located in the Terminal, the arrival terminal has the seating capacity for 969 people at a time. Several food stores and a book and magazine stall are also available. Five baggage carousels are located in the terminal whilst Domestic airline offices, banks, restaurants and a grocery store are also located right beside the Domestic passenger terminal. The Domestic Terminal on the old Airport Road was built in 1948 and is located near the north end of Runway 13/31. An old hangar has since been annexed to the terminal.”

The airport is really clean compare to what I remember. It doesn’t serve Cebu Pacific anymore so that means it’s less crowded.

After checking in, I hurriedly went to the smoking area to puff a stick before I paid the P200 Terminal Fee.

The waiting area is pretty much still as what I can remember. It’s not as comfortable as Terminal 2 and 3 but it’s still nice and clean.

I hope they could improve the facilities in this airport. Zest Air and Seair seem to be now more aggressive in competing against other local airlines which means, there’ll be more and more local and foreign tourists that will use this airport. And most travellers are expecting a little comfort while waiting for their flights.