This Airport Guide introduces the landside departures facilities at Terminal 1 (T1) of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
Post last updated/reviewed from first-hand experience : 10 Feb 2025 (based on a 27 Jan 2025 departure)
Post last updated/reviewed using other information : 10 Feb 2025
NOTE: This article offers general guidance and is not intended to be a definitive resource. The facilities and procedures discussed here are subject to change without prior notice.
The subject of this guide is the landside area at Terminal 1 (T1) of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (common abbreviation: “NAIA” / IATA code: MNL) – the main airport serving Greater Manila in the Philippines. “Landside” encompasses all areas located before outbound immigration and security.
For Terminal 1’s airside area (from immigration to security and beyond), click here.
For Terminal 1 arrivals, click here.
For a broader overview of Terminal 1, click here.
For the airport as a whole, click here to view my comprehensive guide to MNL.
CONTENTS
ENTRANCES
The departures level of T1 has two main entrances (one on either side), both of which lead into the check-in hall.
Only passengers are allowed near the check-in counters. Guards posted at the main entrances will ask to see your passport and ticket before allowing you through.
Two side entrances serve the waiting areas at either end of the building. Despite their proximity to the check-in hall, these side doors do not provide access to the airline counters. Passengers checking in for their flights must pass through the main entrances instead.
CHECK-IN HALL
The waiting areas at either end of the departures level can be entered by non-passengers. However, the check-in hall – where the airline counters are located – is for passengers only.
Check-in counters
Counter assignments are posted on the flight information display fitted above the main hall.
Check-in procedures and queueing arrangements – such as priority lanes for premium classes or passengers with special needs – will vary depending on the airline.
Click here to learn about outbound immigration and security at MNL T1.
Travel tax
Residents of the Philippines must pay a “travel tax” of PHP 1,620 every time they fly out of the country in economy or business class. A higher rate of PHP 2,700 applies to first-class tickets. Certain travellers qualify for reduced rates or exemptions; refer to the TIEZA website for details.
***NOTE: Non-residents are NOT subject to the travel tax.***
Some airlines and travel agencies include the tax outright or offer the option of prepaying at the point of booking. (A direct online payment option is also available.) Check with your airline or agent to confirm if the price you’ve paid includes this charge.
If you’re subject to the duty and haven’t paid it in advance, you’ll need to visit the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) counter at the airport and settle what’s owed before the airline can issue your boarding pass.
The travel tax is NOT the same as the passenger service charge (PSC) levied on airport users. The PSC for MNL is routinely included in the price of ordinary tickets and doesn’t have to be paid separately at the terminal.
The TIEZA counter at T1 is located within the check-in hall, right up against the front windows facing the road.
Other facilities
Baggage wrapping, telecommunications, and foreign exchange services are available from booths in the check-in hall.
The following gallery shows the service booths that were in place at the check-in hall as of 08 November 2022. These are arranged starting from the left side (if you’re facing towards the entrances) and moving to the right.
There are two sets of toilets in the check-in hall, one on either side of the doors leading to outbound immigration.
WAITING AREAS
The departures level of T1 has two waiting areas flanking the check-in hall. No passport or ticket is required to enter these spaces.
Bear in mind that if you walk directly from the check-in hall into either of the two waiting areas, you will not be allowed to return the same way. You’ll need to exit the building and re-enter the check-in hall through the main entrances.
The waiting area at the western end of T1 is fitted with bench seats, two bank booths, cash machines (ATMs), and a government service counter for migrant workers. You’ll also find the Tao Yuan Express restaurant (0600-2200, open daily) which serves Singaporean-style cuisine.
The eastern waiting area (at the other end of the building) hosts a branch of the Jollibee fast-food chain (24 hours, open daily), as well as a few rows of bench seats and some merchandise stalls.
PANDEMIC-RELATED MEASURES
In 2023, the Philippine government scrapped its last remaining pandemic-era emergency directives. Public transport operates at full capacity and disease-control protocols – including mask wearing and social distancing – are no longer enforced.
Be aware that some establishments (such as healthcare facilities) might impose stricter requirements within their own premises and ask visitors to put on a mask before entering.
Ready to pass through immigration and security? CLICK HERE to read my separate Airport Guide documenting MNL T1’s airside zone.
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