MANILA, Philippines - The number of airplane passengers in and out of Manila increased by 6.2% to 31,558,002 in 2012 from 29,702,458 in 2011, according to data from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Of the 2012 figure, 13,928,034 passengers boarded international flights and 17,629,968 passengers boarded domestic flights.

Most of the passengers are recorded in Terminal 3, where budget airlines, led by Cebu Pacific Air. operate.

The number of passengers increased only in Terminals 1 and 3 in 2012.

Foreign airlines operate at Terminal 1, while Philippine Airlines mount flights at Terminal 2.

NAIA's facilities are bursting at the seams but expansion is limited at its location at the heart of the country's capital. The government has yet to decide on its final plans on the gateway to the country, whether an alternative main international airport or a complementary one to the existing NAIA facilities.

The budget airline industry has been soaring, aided by promotional fares, while the government has vowed to record tourist arrival goal of 6 million by 2016.

Less flights

The number of passengers passing through NAIA in 2012 increased despite the decrease in number of flights in the terminal. Data showed that there were 214,354 flights, lower than the 218,925 flights in 2011.

The decrease in flights in 2012 are observed in NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 4. - Rappler.com