Qantas will shift its Manila flights from Terminal 1 to the more modern Terminal 3 from the end of August.
Qantas’ terminal change in Manila is just one of many scheduled for the end of August 2018 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Many other international airlines are also moving to Terminal 3, while domestic Cebu Pacific domestic flights will be moved from Terminal 3 to 2.
From 31 August 2018, QF will allegedly be shifting MNL terminals from the current T1 to more modern (though more than a decade old) T3. (MNL is often referred to locally as ‘NAIA.’)
Concurrently PR (international only) will be shifting from T2 to T1. 5J domestic will switch from T3 to T2.
T3 has for a few years played host to a limited number of foreign airlines such as CX and EK but kicking the domestic operators out will create a lot more room.
The Manila terminal change will mean that Qantas finally stops sending its premium passengers to the Manila Lounge in Terminal 1. This lounge has been rated by our members as one of the worst lounges in the Qantas network.
I suppose my expectations of the QF lounge were too high, so when I eventually arrived at the lounge this afternoon I could not believe how basic and poor the Manila QF Business – First Lounge is. I would frequently travel via Singapore or Bangkok or Hong Kong so even though people have been complaining bout the “enhancements” there, the Manila QF lounge had truly been enhanced! For example, today their wifi is not functioning, it is over-crowaded; the food and drinks are below basic.
Manila is not known for quality airport lounges, but the current Cathay Pacific lounge in Terminal 3 is definitely one of the better ones. Qantas Gold and Platinum frequent flyers, and Business passengers, should have access to the Cathay Pacific lounge after the switch to Terminal 3. Qantas has not yet revealed what arrangements would be in place for Qantas Club members.
The terminal change in Manila is currently scheduled for 31 August 2018, but there is a possibility for delays. Watch this space.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: QF19/20 change to MNL terminal
