Manila (Pasay), Philippines
Practical guide to Manila International Airport's Saudia Airlines operations at NAIA Terminal 1 in Paranaque. Getting there, terminal facilities, and local area insights.
5 features verified at Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Typical foot-traffic by hour, sourced from Google. Live conditions may differ.
Busiest on Mondays around 1 am — usually a little busy.
I had a 14 hour layover at this airport so I got a pretty good feel for all the different times here. Highly recommend taking a different flight route if you have a connection. They randomly add extra security checks to gated areas throughout the day. So even if you walk to your gate to make sure you know where it is and what you need to do, when you come back they could have set up a pop-up security station. The one in my area had 6 gates behind it, so imagine how quickly that line grows when no one was planning to have to get their luggage scanned and go through an xray again. I walked to that same are 3 times earlier in the day. So I bought drinks prior to getting there, expecting ot have them on my 10+ hour flight... Nope.. those got thrown out. I was told my bag would go straight to my connecting flight when I landed here. During my 14 hour layover, no one contacted to let me know my bag got stuck, and wouldn't be put on my connecting flight until I cleared it. I didn't figure that out until I did my 4th walk to the gate 40 minutes before boarding - and the people at the newly setup security stand informed me. I had to pull a mad dash down a hall and through an elevator to get it cleared before boarding. The way there isn't marker, so I was asking people along the way for additional directions. The buttons in 1 of the 2 elevators didn't work to go to the ground floor, and the other one wouldn't come while the broken one was sitting there. So I got stuck for a bit. They told me my bag was stuck because of a mini speaker I had in my checked bag from LA -> Phillipines-> Jakarta -> Phillipines has now magically tripped some kind of alarm. So it went Into my carry-on. I was also informed at the pop up security that the entertainment screen on my seat didn't work... and they could not tell me if wifi would be made available. For the 14 hour flight. I heard them telling someone else the same thing, so it wasn't just my screen. Airport chaos aside - I went to 3 different restaurants and 3 different shops for snacks/drinks during the layover. No service worker gave a greeting. They pretty much ignored me until I started awkwardly talking. Three times they looked past me to the next person in line and I had to say "hey I was next" before they acknowledged me. Power outlets are far and few, and almost all are standing kiosks. For some reason they have a chunk of them reserved for "laptop users only" as well. So bring your power bank. The hallways are tight and people seem to walk directly at you, or stand in the flow of traffice staring at you like they expect you to go around. And to cap it off - after getting through the pop up security the, I watched another passenger have a full on shouting match with airport staff. He missed his flight for similar baggage/security checkpoint reasons. Wasn't informed-> mad dash -> then didn't make it back through in time. 1 stars because even my first trip through was annoying. Avoid if you can. Plan for frustration if you can't. For Phillipines Airlin itself - they are the stingiesr I've seen with drinks. The cups are half the size of any other airline I've been on. And one of the drink services is just coffee water or tea - staff will reluctantly get you something else if you push hard enough.
It was a fast, efficient service. It took me only 10 minutes to check in at the counter. The porter who took my baggage at the security point to the check-in counter was pleasant with a ready smile.
Extra crowded customer service very bad no desk to help people . The security guards are always looking to make money off you even if it's bad advice they always looking for a tip for information or secure you a cab the most expensive as they will receive a kick back fee
One of a kind experience we dined on a Mabuhay business class lounge...it was awesome for a free meal.
Manila International Airport, operated as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, sits on the border of Paranaque and Pasay cities in Metro Manila. It is the oldest and busiest of NAIA's four terminals, handling international flights for airlines including Saudia. The terminal underwent a major renovation from 2014 to 2019, adding modern amenities while retaining its compact footprint. For passengers flying Saudia Airlines, this is the sole point of entry and departure in Manila, connecting the Philippines to Saudi Arabia and onward to the Middle East and Europe. Despite its age, Terminal 1 manages a steady flow of travelers daily, with peak hours aligning with Saudia's flight schedule: Monday 1pm, Tuesday 5am, Wednesday 1pm, and Thursday 10pm.
Paranaque City, where the airport is located, lies approximately 10 kilometers south of Manila's downtown area. Travel time by road ranges from 30 minutes with no traffic to over an hour during peak hours. The most direct option is a metered taxi or ride-hailing service like Grab, available at arrivals or pre-booked. The airport's NAIA Expressway connects directly to the Skyway and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), providing quick access from Makati and other business districts. For budget travelers, the Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) connects to Taft Avenue, but a bus or jeepney from Taft to the airport takes 30 minutes and requires a transfer. Alternatively, the airport shuttle (Airport Bus) runs from various points in Metro Manila, including Cubao and Baclaran. Paranaque's location near the coast means occasional flooding during heavy rains, so check the weather and allow extra time.
Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 for Saudia flights enter a single-level building with check-in counters located on the left side of the main hall. The terminal is compact: after check-in, passengers proceed through a central security checkpoint, then down a ramp to immigration and the departure gates. The facility includes wheelchair-accessible entrances, car parks, and restrooms with changing tables and accessible toilets. The departure area has a few duty-free shops and food outlets, but options are limited compared to newer terminals. Many travelers bring their own snacks. The gate area can become crowded during Saudia's scheduled flights, as it's a full-service airline with significant pre-boarding demand. The terminal's modernized infrastructure includes improved air conditioning and flight information displays, but seating near some gates remains sparse. Arriving passengers need to complete immigration, collect bags from the carousel, and clear customs. The arrival hall is straightforward, with taxi and ride-hailing counters immediately outside.
Paranaque City, home to NAIA Terminal 1, is often overlooked by travelers heading straight to tourist destinations. Yet this coastal city offers a genuine slice of Metro Manila's urban and cultural life. The most famous landmark is the Baclaran Church (Diocesan Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help), a 10-minute jeepney ride from the airport. This church draws thousands for its Wednesday novena, and the surrounding market district is a bargain hunter's paradise for clothes, accessories, and local snacks. For a more modern experience, the SM By the Bay complex and the nearby Mall of Asia area in Pasay offer shopping, dining, and the popular Manila Bay sunset view. Paranaque's coastal road, Coastal Road (C-5 extension), leads to Las Pinas and the famous bamboo organ at San Jose Church, about 30 minutes by taxi. The city's culinary scene includes classic Filipino comfort food at Dampa-style seafood restaurants and the famous Silogan sa Paranaque for breakfast. For travelers with a layover of a few hours, a quick visit to Baclaran or the baywalk can offer a meaningful taste of local life. The airport's proximity to these spots—within 15 minutes by car—makes Paranaque a practical stopover, not just a transit point. The area's mix of old and new, budget and luxury, reflects the broader Manila experience.
The airport operates 24 hours daily, but Saudia Airlines check-in counters open three hours before each scheduled departure. For the busiest times listed (Monday 1pm, Tuesday 5am, Wednesday 1pm, Thursday 10pm), arrive at least three hours prior to allow for congestion. The official website for Saudia Airlines is http://saudia.com/, where travelers can manage bookings and check flight status. No phone number is confirmed for the terminal's Saudia office, but the airline's global hotline is listed on their site. Terminal 1 has a designated taxi queue and ride-hailing pickup area; avoid touts. For currency exchange, the arrival hall has several banks with competitive rates. A concrete tip: if you have a long layover or early morning flight, consider booking a hotel in Paranaque's entertainment district or within walking distance of the airport; the Belmont Hotel and Microtel are adjacent to Terminal 1 and offer free shuttle service. Always carry a printed copy of your boarding pass and visa documents, as airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable. For added security, use the official airport taxi voucher system located at the transportation desk.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
A practical guide to Manila International Airport's Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) office, including amenities, peak hours, and cash-only policy, plus regional context about the airport's role.
Practical guide to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Paranaque, Philippines. Getting there, terminal facilities, and what to expect when flying through Manila's main airport.
Comprehensive guide to Manila International Airport in Paranaque, Philippines, with details on facilities, access, and regional information.
Learn about PLDT Hangar in Pasay City, Philippines, a private facility for charter flights. Get tips on access, amenities, and regional context for corporate travelers.
Navigate Airphil Express ticket offices at Pasay City's Domestic Airport with tips on staff, service, peak hours, and accessibility. Learn about the office's role in Manila's aviation network.
Wikipedia
More about Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Wikipedia
More about Ninoy Aquino International Airport
A practical guide to Manila International Airport's Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) office, including amenities, peak hours, and cash-only policy, plus regional context about the airport's role.
Practical guide to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Paranaque, Philippines. Getting there, terminal facilities, and what to expect when flying through Manila's main airport.
Comprehensive guide to Manila International Airport in Paranaque, Philippines, with details on facilities, access, and regional information.
Learn about PLDT Hangar in Pasay City, Philippines, a private facility for charter flights. Get tips on access, amenities, and regional context for corporate travelers.
Navigate Airphil Express ticket offices at Pasay City's Domestic Airport with tips on staff, service, peak hours, and accessibility. Learn about the office's role in Manila's aviation network.