Review: Abu Dhabi International Airport

I was in Abu Dhabi a few weeks ago via Philippine Airlines. This is a mini review from the point of view of an ordinary tourist.

PAL uses Terminal 1, the old terminal of Abu Dhabi. It's actually just small. Well, I didn't really roam around, but it's definitely not the usual massive airport like the ones in Dubai, Hong Kong or Singapore. In terms of size, it could be compared to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 1.

But despite the small size, it's not crowded. There were many vacant seats when I was there and many shops and restaurants were also operational. Arriving and departing passengers share the same area, similar to the one in Singapore. And there were many Filipino staff. I bought something at Mcdonald's and the Duty Free shop and I was speaking in Filipino.

The Abu Dhabi International Airport also has money exchange booths, pharmacy and a spa. And the airport is expanding. Construction of a bigger terminal was ongoing when we landed. And if you need transportation going to the city proper, there are taxis and buses right outside the arrival hall. Like in other cities, airport taxis are more expensive. I took the A1 bus while I was there. It only costs AED4, compared to the taxi which I heard costs AED75 to our hotel.



Control tower of ADIA



Check-in lobby



Departure area/ Arrival area as well

 

Shops: both in the first and second floors

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Clark Airport: Huge Potential

The Clark International Airport, formerly known as the Diosdado Macapagal International Aiport, has been called the Philippines' next gateway. Some sectors are pushing for Clark to replace Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, but Clark's long distance from Metro Manila has been a barrier. Clark Airport has been operating for many years already, but I only flew via this airport just a few weeks ago. And I must say, it has a huge potential to be a great aviation hub.

At first glance, you'll notice it's just a small airport. But you'll also see it is rapidly expanding with all the construction going on. There is already a new and bigger check-in area (initially for Qatar Airways & Emirates). Hopefully they relocate all other airlines to this bigger check-in area. The departure hall on the second floor also looks nice. I haven't been to the one on the first floor, but the one on the second floor offers a view of the runway. It also has shops and a VIP lounge, which costs P800 (with wifi & buffet snacks). I used the VIP lounge since I badly needed wifi while waiting for my flight. My flight, by the way, was to Hong Kong via Dragonair. I haven't been to the domestic area.

One thing that struck me most is the staff. Everyone was accommodating and well-trained. There are staff in almost all areas of the terminal ready to assist. There were staff assisting in the check-in area and also at the departure area. When I arrived there was also somebody helping in the immigration area. I haven't encountered such "helping" staff in other local airports.

Clark Airport really has a huge potential. As I said, there were many parts of the terminal that were under construction or renovation, but everything looks clean and in order. I just hope they expand it further as more flights are coming in and out.

_________
Bus (Metro Manila to Clark Airport and vise versa)
From Trinoma P200
From Megamall/ Pasay P400+
*** call the airport, Trinoma Airport Lounge or Philtranco for the schedule

New check-in area (for Qatar Airways, Emirates initially)

Old check-in area

VIP Lounge : P800

Qatar Airways plane just landed

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Iloilo Airport

I must say, Iloilo Airport is my favorite local airport in the Philippines.

It's the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo right now and it reminded me of the city's modern transportation hub. I have actually been to the airport only twice. Departing Iloilo in 2008, and arriving Iloilo in 2012. But both times, I was amazed with this airport. There's nothing very spectacular and great about this airport, but for a local airport, it really looks good and decent. What I like about this airport is that the departure and arrival areas have high ceiling, which gives a feeling of space. The departure area actually looks like a mini NAIA 2. The departure area also faces a mountain, a nice view to look at while waiting for the plane. And since it's new, there are several aerobridges, working baggage carousels, working elevators and escalators and also two pocket gardens. It also uses natural lighting, which means the airport is energy efficient. I wish all local airports would be similar to the one in Iloilo, especially since we all have to pay P200 terminal fee.

The airport is located less than an hour from the city proper. For those arriving in the city, there are several vans that can take you to SM City Iloilo and other parts of the city. There are many drivers stationed just outside the Arrivals Hall. Fare would be about P50+. Taxis are also available. 

Departure Hall

View from Departure Hall

Departure area. Photo from Wikipedia

High celing airport

Arrival area

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Bus route: NAIA-MRT/LRT

SECOND UPDATE: (As of Jan 2014) The bus service from MRT-NAIA 3 is back

UPDATE: The bus service MRT-NAIA-3 vv has been cancelled.

But the shuttle between the 4 airports remain active.

NAIA map from Wikipedia

 


    The Ninoy Aquino International Airport complex is a very complicated airport with four terminals that are far from each other. It's a bit of a hassle to transfer from one terminal to another. Going in and out of the airport, a taxi would be the best option. But if you do want to save money, there are also buses that connect all 4 terminals and there's a bus that links NAIA-3 to the MRT and LRT stations.

From MRT/LRT to NAIA

       For those coming from the MRT and LRT stations, get off at the MRT-Taft station or the LRT-Edsa station. Walk to the nearest Mcdonalds near Sogo Hotel at the corner of Edsa and Taft. There's a bus terminal behind the building. Of course, look for the bus that heads straight to NAIA-3. There are signages, but you can also ask the guard or those working in pasalubong shops/carinedaria. Fare is P20.
       If your flight is via NAIA-3, you're lucky since there is a direct trip. But if you need to go to NAIA-1, 2 or 4 (Domestic Terminal), you can still take the bus and transfer to another bus at the NAIA-3. From NAIA-3, there are buses that can take you to all other terminals. If you're heading to NAIA-4 or the Domestic Terminal, you have to inform the driver first, since usually they don't make a stop there. Fare is P20 for all routes.
       If you plan to take the bus, it would be better to leave home earlier than usual, since you have to factor in traffic and the number of passengers, especially during peak season.

From NAIA to MRT/LRT
      If you arrive at the NAIA-3, just go to the bus station right across the taxi station outside the Arrivals hall. Or you can also ask airport staff where it is. The bus can take you to Baclaran, Heritage Hotel, LRT/MRT stations and Tramo. If you see a long line, don't panic. Buses usually arrive every 5-15 minutes. Fare is P20 for all routes.
       If you arrive at the NAIA-1,2 or 4, there are buses that can take you to NAIA-3 where you can take another bus to the MRT/LRT. You can ask airport staff for the bus station. At the NAIA-2, the bus station is between the Domestic and International Arrivals. Upon arriving at NAIA-3, you can go straight to the bus station that heads to MRT/LRT.
       For those using NAIA-4, buses usually don't pass by the terminal. It's better if you take a cab. But if you see the airport bus, then you can hop on.

Hope the information helps. :)

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