The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Saturday denied allegations made by the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) that its VIP service allowed passengers to bypass airport procedures for a fee of P800.
The NNIC is now the private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport while MIAA serves as airport regulator.
The NNIC earlier announced it is implementing a new protocol for handling courtesies and accommodations for VIPs, Important Persons (IPs) and passengers requesting for VIP treatment at the airport.
It said the new protocol is expected to curb misuse of VIP courtesies extended at the airport.
But MIAA said its VIP service, particularly its Meet-and-Assist Service (MAAS), strictly adhered to Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) protocols and is fully compliant with established airline and government regulations.
“Historically, the service was a privilege given by MIAA free of charge, primarily in the name of public service, to uphold reciprocity arrangements with counterpart agencies and foreign governments. It was subsequently offered to private individuals for a fee,” MIAA said.
“Subsequently, the passenger facilitation process was further developed and formalized through Service Level Agreements (SLA) with border control agencies operating in the NAIA who, together with MIAA, were integral members of the NAIA Quality Management System,” it added.
The VIP privileges, which were intended for dignitaries and other important individuals, were easily accessible in the past for P800.
“For that amount, any passenger could bypass regular airport procedures. This not only created potential security vulnerabilities but also led to operational inefficiencies and an unfair advantage for those who could afford to pay,” the NNIC said.
The airport now charges a “meet and assist service” fee of P8,000 per passenger. Lounge use is not included in the deal.
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