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December 16, 2023Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on November 29, 2024
Manila Ninoy Aquino Int’l Airport (NAIA) also known as Manila International Airport (MNL/RPLL) was named after former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. who was assassinated at Gate 11 in Terminal 1 on August 21, 1983 during the presidency of Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
The airport is located between Parañaque City and Pasay City in Metropolitan area Manila, about 8km south of the Manila’s centre. The airport is the main hub for most local airlines, but also serves as the main gateway for international flights to the Philippines, mostly from major Asia and Middle East. There are some flights to Europe (e.g. Amsterdam and London), North America (e.g. San Francisco) and even Africa (e.g. Addis Ababa). Some other foreign airlines visit Lufthansa Technics Philippines for heavy maintenance from time to time, so those aircraft might be a bonus during your stay.
This airport is a very famous for Filipino Plane Spotters as it is the busiest airfield in the country, thus there are a lot of avgeeks and planespotters based in Manila. Feel free to reach us out on instagram if you’re planning to pay a visit the airport: @5j_marcusgianan – @themanilaspotter – @nekaberia – @lodimaster.pat – @rwy.mnl
Or feel free to check out the following Facebook Group.
Written by Marcus Gianan flyedmund, Patrick Dariagan and YoungKyun Shin. Last change: November 2024 (Spot 13 added)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather | |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 06/24 | 3.400 m |
| 13/31 | 1.910 m |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | International Terminal: int’l flights by Philippine Airlines, Saudia, Malaysia Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Zip Air, Japan Airlines, Korean Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Royal Brunei, China Airlines, Air China and Hong Kong Airlines |
| Terminal 2 | Domestic Terminal: domestic flights by PAL Express, AirAsia and Royalair |
| Terminal 3 | Other remaining international carriers and Cebu Pacific Domestic and International flights |
| Terminal 4 | Domestic Terminal for turboprop regional carriers in the country except PAL Express |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Only recommended for Spot 3 if RWY06 is active. |
| Car/Public Transport | Public Transport here is not friendly for foreigners as it’s not that organized and convenient. We highly recommended to rent a car or motorcycle. Otherwise use a motorcycle taxi or ridesharing app on your phone like “Grab”, “Angkas”, “Joyride”, and “Move it” – these apps are registered and aurthorized by the government. |
| Drinks/Food | Available at Terminal 1 and there are convenient stores at Spot #6 and Spot #7. |
| Hotels | There are plenty of hotels in Metro Manila, but don’t stay too far from the airport since traffic jams in Metro Manila are way to hard to deal with. The Savoy Hotel Manila close to Terminal 3 offers a good view of 31 departures (see Spot #12). The Raya Garden Condominiums offers views on runway 24 (see Spot #13) |
| Season | During Habagat Season (Southwest moonsoon June – October) mostly RWY24/31 is active: as you have vantage points and also typhoon season in the country, we do not recommended that time of the year. Amihan Season (Northeast moonsoon September to May) mostly RWY06/13 is active and highly recommended as you can spot all day long. During April and May (heat season) heat haze can be your problem. |
| Security | Spotting in Manila is neither supported nor tolerated by the Authorities. But normally, local city police is only passing by rarely and AVSEC doing its rounds within the airport area. However, the police might ask few questions and may ask you to refrain from photographing within the airport premises (Spot #3, #5, and #6). Their policies are vague and there is no memorandum issued by the Airport Authority prohibiting Planespotting.
It is advisable to keep low profile while doing plane spotting, especially on exposed areas – anywhere in the Philippines. Reach out to local spotters for being around to assist and to spot with you. You may reach us at Philippine Aviators group on Facebook or you might reach us out active plane spotters via our instagram accounts. Instagram: @5j_marcusgianan – @themanilaspotter – @nekaberia – @lodimaster.pat – @rwy.mnl |
| Runway Usage | |
| 06/24 | Major runway due to its lenght: handles all arrivals and all wide body departures. |
| 13/31 | Secondary runway: only used for departures for domestic flights and regional flights for local airlines. This runway can’t accomodate widebody planes and has no arrivals. |
Terminal 1 East, Jollibee - Ramp
| WHERE | There are two options where you can stay. Spotting from outside at the access road bridge (1A) might be a little tricky with the security if there are only a few people around as you attract attention with your planespotting gear. The safer way is to spot inside the Jollibee restaurant T1 (1B), but expect tinted and dirty window glass. The restaurant is landslide so no boarding pass is needed here.
You can reach both spots by taxi/motorcycle taxi by dropping of at the departure area easily. If your planning to walk, there are stairs going up at the outside of the arrival area. Follow the foot path from the parking on the photos. Just avoid passing thru the arrival area, its very restricted to pass thru for non-authorized airport personnel. |
| WHAT | Aircraft parking at Bay 1-4 as well as runway actions. |
| TIME | Noon till sunset. |
| MISC. | Food and restrooms can be found inside at the Jollibee restaurant. Be aware of the tinted windows. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-105mm for Gate Shots. 70-300mm for runway actions |
Taken from the bridge outside:
Takem from the Jollibee Restaurant inside:
Terminal 1 West - Ramp
| WHERE | Similar to the previous point, just on the opposite side: this place is way safer due to more people so security mostly won’t bother you. Just stay outside, at the western end of the terminal.
Same directions as for Spot # 1: you can reach this spot by taxi/motorcycle taxi by dropping of at the departure area easily, if your planning to walk through there is stairs going up at the outside of the arrival area. Follow the foot walks from the parking on the photos. This has a similar access from the spot 1. Just avoid passing thru at the arrival area, its very restricted to pass thru for non-authorized airport personnel. |
| WHAT | Aircraft parking at Bay 12-16 and arriving planes using RWY06. Watch out for APU heat. |
| TIME | Noon till sunset as well as all night for long exposures. |
| MISC. | Restrooms can be found downstairs and generally everything inside the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-105mm for Gate Shots. 150-600mm for runway actions |
Gas Station - 06 arrivals and line-up
| WHERE | The location is near the Phoenix Gasoline Stations on the sidewalk of Multinational Ave. To reach this place either walk from the terminal or use a ride share app as parking is limited here. But you can park at the gas station or at the establishment next to it (there is a security guy which you have to ask). Otherwise you can park at spot 4.
For ground shots you can stand in front of taxiway C at the FD office and use a ladder or motorbike to clear the fence (see photo below). But don’t place it near at the fence and ask permission on the establishment where you want to place your ladder. |
| WHAT | Arrivals and line-ups prior departure on RWY06. |
| TIME | Noon till sunset. |
| MISC. | 10 wheeler trucks might be your problem as they obstruct your views. Also, buy food at the main road before entering this area since there are limited stores in the area. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm both arriving and departing aircraft |
Bridge - 06 arrivals
| WHERE | This is an excellent alternative, not far from the former location which is no longer available. From the previous spots continue south heading in the direction of Sucat, Parañaque on the C-5. Pass a McDonalds and a gas station until you have reached a bridge with a sidewalk where you can stand. The spot offering an unobstructed view of arriving aircraft. The location provides a clear line of sight, perfect for capturing photos without any interference. You can try to park at the McDonalds/Gas Station. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 06. |
| TIME | Morning to noon, during Amihan Season also till 15 o’clock. Heat haze can be an issue especially during dry season. |
| MISC. | There is a newly-opened McDonald’s few meters away from this location where you can grab your snacks before going to this location. Since the convenience store nearby the gas station is yet to open, we recommend to bring lots of water at this time. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 65mm – B748; 70mm – B77W; 165mm – G650ER |
Multinational Ave - 06 arrivals and line-ups
| WHERE | Just a few steps from Spot #3: this time turn left when you reach the stoplight and walk along fence at C5 Rd Extended/corner Multinational Ave on the sidewalk until you reach your preferred point. However, you have to shoot through the mesh here which might be tricky when the planes are moving. |
| WHAT | Closer views on lining up and arriving aircraft on RWY06. |
| TIME | Morning to noon, during Amihan Season also till 15 o’clock. |
| MISC. | Absolutely nothing special here. Bring what you need since there are fewer stores in the area. Security and local cops rarely pass by. Be aware, that you have to shoot through the mesh here which might be tricky when the planes are moving. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-105mm for heavy aircraft (A330, A350, B777) 70-300MM for narrowbodies and taxiway C shots |
Shell Station - 24 movements
| WHERE | There is a Shell gas station at C5 Southlink road, which offers an observation deck with views on the airport areal. The location is very famous in the area so expect some people here, especially on weekends. We recommend to use a rideshare app to reach this place, but parking is also available at this spot if you arrive by car. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 24 and nearby taxiways. |
| TIME | Morning to noon, during Amihan Season also till 15 o’clock. |
| MISC. | A convenient store is just on the lower floor. Expect obstructions here: a big wall that blocks the sight partially. During noon, haze is an issue! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm |
Caltext C5 - 06, 24 and 13 departures
| WHERE | The spot is just a few steps away from the shell station/spot 6. There is some kind of office complex with an outside staircase/balcony where you can stand and shoot from. |
| WHAT | Rotating planes after departure from RWY24, RWY06 and RWY 13. |
| TIME | Morning to noon, during Amihan Season also till 15 o’clock for runway 06 and 24. Afternoon till sunset for runway 13. |
| MISC. | There are some fastfood restaurants just on the lower floor or further up the road. Expect obstructions for this spot: a big wall that blocks the sight. During noon, haze is an issue! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm for widebody and 150-600mm for narrowbody on 06 and 24 500-600 for 13 |
Service Roads - 24 arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located all along the East and West Service roads at the eastern end of the airport: if you prefer side shoots, go to the East Service Road and from there into a small side road as marked on the map. Belly shots can be made from both roads from the sidewalks. The West side has more obstructions, but it’s easier to go there since it has public transport access going to EDSA Ayala and Mall of Asia area. But parking is not really possible on the west side, so if you come by car the east side is better. |
| WHAT | Arriving planes on RWY24 only |
| TIME | All day depending on your position as you can walk along that road to find a better vantage point regarding the lighting. |
| MISC. | Bring what you need as there are no stores in the area. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-105mm depending on your position |
NAIA T3 Departure Area - 13/31 movements + Ramp
| WHERE | Within the Terminal 3 departure area you can to the domestic Gates 101-106 or the lounges area in the international area after you pass the security checks. Both areas offer freat spotting views – but of course you need a boarding pass to access this spot! |
| WHAT | You can see the ramp in front as well as RWY13/31 movements. |
| TIME | Morning to noon for the runway, ramp depends on the angle a bit. |
| MISC. | Glasses are tinted so be careful with your settings. Otherwise there is everything available in the terminal here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm for runway actions 18-105mm for ramp actions |
NAIA T2 Departure Area - Runways + ramp
| WHERE | Within the Terminal 2 departure area you can walk along the glass front from north wing to south wing: just find a vacant gate in order for you to get a better vantage point. Of course it his behind security checks and you need a boarding pass to access this spot! |
| WHAT | Runway 06/24 movements (departures and arrivals) as well as aircraft taxiing to terminal 3. In addition, runway 31 departures are also visible. Since the majority of the airlines based terminal 1 recently transfered to T3, there are lots of taxiies to T3 due to confusement. |
| TIME | From noon till later afternoon. |
| MISC. | The airport has double glass on the departure area so be extra cautious with your settings. Otherwise there is everything within the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Runway 06/24: 70-300mm for widebodies, 150-600mm for narrowbodies 150-600mm for taxiing aircraft to T3 and 31 departures |
Venice Plaza - 24 arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located just beside the entrance of Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill, Taguig City, located just beside of Wells Fargo Corporate Office and Science Center. If coming by car, you should be able to park inside the mall. If you are coming via taxi or ride hailing apps (e.g. Grab/Joyride) pin your location to Venice Piazza Milano Entrance and walk few meters away from the entrance until you reach the corner facing Wells Fargo Corporate Office. |
| WHAT | All Incoming Traffic on RWY 24 only. |
| TIME | Noon till sunset. Heat haze could be an issue especially during dry season. Best place to spot from April-October |
| MISC. | Everything that you need should be here. It is advisable to keep a low profile while shooting around this area. There are roving security personnel from time to time. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Between 100-300mm |
Savoy Hotel Manila - 31 departures, apron, taxiway
| WHERE | The Savoy Hotel Manila next to Terminal 3 has 11 level and the sample shots were taken from a room at the 11th floor, facing the runway. The hotel is in walking distance from T3. Simply ask for a room on the top floor with airport view while check in. It might be better to contact hotel few days prior to arrive for better room assignment chance.
Biggest problem here is thick and tinted window which cannot be opened. You may get only 1~2 manageable shots on each aircraft because most shots are soft and blurry. APU heat could ruin your shots. |
| WHAT | Best for runway 31 Departure(domestic narrow body aircraft, no heavies). 13 arrivals would be possible but very very rare! RWY13/31 Taxing aircraft (Air HongKong A330F etc) and Cebu Pacific Remote Spot aircraft pushback, taxiing. |
| TIME | Summer: Sunrise to early noon. Winter: Sunrise to 9:00 |
| MISC. | You can have food in hotel or you may order delivery by Grab app. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Air HongKong A333F = 200mm; Cebu Pacific A320 Take off = 260mm; Cebu Pacific A320 Push Back = 215mm; Philippines Q400 = 280mm; Philippines A320 = 240mm ***All shots are taken with empty space in frame to get sharp shot. You will need zoom in more if you want to minimize empty space in shot but result could be very soft. |
Raya Garden Condominiums - 24 movements, taxiway, ramp
| WHERE | The Raya Garden Condominium, along West Service Road, located in Merville, Parañaque City offering a great view of the 24 movements. Jeepneys with the route “Alabang – Pasay via NAB (Nichols)” do go past the Condominium. Recommended if you’re from North to ride one with a signage “SM Bicutan” or from South with the signage “Merville” or “Pasay Rtd”. There are parking areas inside the condominium. The spotting place itself is on a balcony inside Jakarta building 09, on level P (Penthouse). The level can be accessed by both elevator and stairs. The balcony is open for all visitors. For access to the complex you have too book a room on AirBNB! Some of the rooms have a balcony with a great view of the airport as well. |
| WHAT | All movements on runway 24 (mainly active during Habagat season) Taxiway H1, and E4, along Runway 24. Visible in the area are Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) hangar, and the Villamor Air Base ramp. |
| TIME | Morning to noon, during Amihan Season also till 15 o’clock. Keep in mind due to the distance heat haze is a serious problem! |
| MISC. | AirBNB or any accommodation inside the Condominium Complex is a must. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 500-600. |
Terminal 4 has been closed for renovations and there will be some changes with the airline terminal assignments possible next year. For now, all assigned airlines at terminal 4 has been moved and squeezed to terminal 2 that includeds Cebu Pacific subsidiary turboprop flight CEBGO.
UPDATE ON SPOT 4: There is an ongoing construction of a gas station on RWY06 Approach + Lamp posts were recently installed by the local government, making it difficult to get a proper angle of arriving planes if you are taking snaps from the other side of the road. Traffic is usually heavy during weekdays also which may block some of your shots. I recommend staying near the bridge or taking a walk past SM Warehouse until you reach another bridge near Amvel Business Park.
Loving the new layout!