I flew out of what was once considered the worst airport in the world. Except for a few hiccups, it was a smooth experience.

Marielle DescalsotaJun 28, 2022, 13:02 IST

Flying with Philippine Airlines via business class from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

For years, Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport was ranked the world's worst airport.
Local officials said "significant improvements" were made under the Duterte administration.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main airport of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I've been flying in and out of NAIA since I was a child, and I remember how chaotic my experiences at the airport were in the mid and late 2000s.

Terminal 2 at NAIA.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

It didn't take long before I encountered the first problem: I tried to check in via the business class counter, but there was nobody there.

The business class counter at Philippine Airlines.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I waited for staff to show up at the counter for 15 minutes, and when nobody did, I joined the long line at economy.

The economy counters at Philippine Airlines.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

After filling out the form, I made my way through immigration and security, which took less than 10 minutes. I spotted the Mabuhay Lounge, PAL's business class lounge, at the corner of the terminal.

The Mabuhay Lounge.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

After filling out the form, I made my way through immigration and security, which took less than 10 minutes. I spotted the Mabuhay Lounge, PAL's business class lounge, at the corner of the terminal.

The food was made to order, and it was delicious.

Food at the Mabuhay Lounge.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

When I made my way to the gate, I found a chaotic scene and long lines of people behind the counters.

The gates at NAIA Terminal 2.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

The airport might have a ways to go before it can fully shed its negative reputation, but it's come a long way since it was crowned the worst airport in the world.

Business class in Philippine Airlines.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

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I flew out of what was once considered the worst airport in the world. Except for a few hiccups, it was a smooth experience.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main airport of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

I've been flying in and out of NAIA since I was a child, and I remember how chaotic my experiences at the airport were in the mid and late 2000s.

It didn't take long before I encountered the first problem: I tried to check in via the business class counter, but there was nobody there.

I waited for staff to show up at the counter for 15 minutes, and when nobody did, I joined the long line at economy.

After filling out the form, I made my way through immigration and security, which took less than 10 minutes. I spotted the Mabuhay Lounge, PAL's business class lounge, at the corner of the terminal.

The food was made to order, and it was delicious.

When I made my way to the gate, I found a chaotic scene and long lines of people behind the counters.

The airport might have a ways to go before it can fully shed its negative reputation, but it's come a long way since it was crowned the worst airport in the world.