A new westbound off-ramp from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAX) to NAIA Terminal 3 has opened in Pasay City, with authorities expecting it to significantly reduce congestion around the airport. The 320‑metre road provides a more direct route for motorists travelling from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway Stage 3, and Lawton Avenue. According to details released through the government announcement, the new link could cut travel time by between 15 and 25 minutes during peak periods.
President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr led the opening of the NAIAX Westbound Off-Ramp to NAIA Terminal 3 Project in Barangay 183, Pasay City on 27 March 2026. The project forms part of broader efforts to improve connectivity around Metro Manila’s main international gateway and address persistent congestion affecting travellers and nearby communities.
Improving access to Manila’s main airport
The new off-ramp allows airport-bound vehicles to bypass heavily congested surface roads, particularly around Andrews Avenue and the Newport area. Government estimates indicate the infrastructure could reduce vehicle volume at the Andrews Avenue–Newport intersection by 30 to 40 per cent by separating airport traffic from local traffic flows.
The project complements wider upgrades under the NAIA modernisation programme delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. Additional road widening works have also been completed along the Circulo del Mundo Rotonda, creating a more direct connection to Terminal 3.
“Ito ay isang bahagi lamang sa mga ating ginagawa, lalong-lalong [sa] paghahanda sa Holy Week,” — Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, President of the Philippines
Public and private sector collaboration
The infrastructure was delivered by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), the concessionaire and operator of the NAIAX system. According to SMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang, the project cost approximately PhP1 billion and was completed in December 2025 before opening to the public in March 2026.
Officials said the new access road supports the national government’s strategy to improve transport connectivity and mobility across Metro Manila. Expanding road links around the airport is intended to ease passenger transfers between terminals and reduce unpredictable travel times that often affect arrivals and departures.
Part of broader connectivity improvements
The administration has also prioritised other transport corridors aimed at reducing congestion and improving inter-regional mobility. During the event, President Marcos highlighted the opening of a connector road linking CAVITEX to C5, designed to maintain continuous traffic flow from major highways.
These infrastructure initiatives sit alongside wider national programmes to strengthen connectivity and public infrastructure. Recent efforts to expand digital infrastructure and planning, including the Philippines’ National Digital Connectivity Plan, reflect a broader push to improve access, efficiency and service delivery across the country.
Complementary initiatives linking infrastructure, skills development and investment — such as projects highlighted in PhilTower’s collaboration on digital infrastructure and workforce development — illustrate how physical and digital connectivity are increasingly being pursued together to support economic activity and public services.
