Summary
A future flagship aerotropolis north of Manila, NMIA sits on a 2,500-ha coastal
greenfield in Barangays Taliptip and Bambang, Bulakan, Bulacan. It will open
with four 3,500 m runways (expandable to six), a terminal built for 100 MPPA
(Million Passengers Per Annum), and direct links via the NLEX-Airport
Expressway and MRT-7 Airport Express spur. On a flat, reclaimed marine
plains, extensive dredging and deep soil stabilization are tackling flood and
liquefaction risks. A thorough ESIA embeds mangrove replanting,
hydrological lining, and a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan to address
biodiversity and bird-strike hazards. With seamless road, rail, and potential
ferry connections, NMIA is designed to decongest NAIA and anchor a
12,000 ha aerotropolis—promising massive economic uplift but requiring
robust environmental and social safeguards.
1. Site Overview
1.1 Location & Context
Nestled on Manila Bay’s western shore, NMIA occupies former fishpond and
mangrove areas in Bulakan, Bulacan—a province bound to Metro Manila by
the North Luzon Expressway. Its proximity to both the metropolis and the
Central Luzon heartland positions it as a true regional gateway.
Key Barangays: Taliptip & Bambang
Distance from Manila: ~35 km via NLEX
Location: 14°44'24.0"N 120°52'30.0"E
Geographic Advantage: Coastal frontage opens options for waterborne
links.
1.2 Footprint & Phasing
The initial 2,500 ha site sits within a broader 12,000 ha land-use vision.
Phase 1 will install four primary runways and supporting airside facilities,
with two additional runways and full aerotropolis infrastructure rolled out in
subsequent phases.
Runways: 3,500 m × 4, with future expansion to six
Terminal Capacity: 100 MPPA in Phase 1; scalable to 200 MPPA
1.3 Lot Classification
CLASSIFICATION:
GROUP: E – 1 BUSINESS AND MERCANTILE
ZONING: COMMERCIAL 1
1.4 Lot Bearings
1-2) S 36°44'56" E 1006.414m 8-9) S 70°21'15" W 1042.848m
2-3) S 50°58'4" E 2310.464m 9-10) N 86°11'7" W 754.248m
3-4) S 580'21" E 606.595m 10-1) S 70°27'30" W 4133.136m
4-5) N 702'24" E 3800.233m
5-6) N 5°44'48" E 992.541m LOT AREA: 17318010.075 sqm
6-7) N 18°50'39" W 1846.162m LOT PERIMETER: 17047.34m
7-8) N 56°45'26" W 426.387m
2. Site Analysis
2.1 Topography & Geotechnical
The site’s level marine plain (2–4 m AMSL) is ideal for long, straight runways
but historically prone to tidal flooding and soil liquefaction. Ongoing dredging
and vibro-compaction are raising grades and densifying soils to meet
aviation safety standards.
Elevation: Uniformly flat, minimal earthworks for grading
Soil: Soft alluvial sediments require deep stabilization
2.2 Environmental Context
NMIA’s footprint overlaps critical mangrove belts and aquaculture zones. An
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment has defined buffer zones,
mandated native mangrove reforestation, and outlined hydrological lining to
preserve tidal flows. A dedicated Wildlife Hazard Management Plan addresses
bird and other wildlife strike risks.
Wetland Mitigation: Replanting, buffer setbacks, hydrological corridors
Wildlife Control: Habitat modification, active monitoring, deterrents
2.3 Accessibility & Linkages
Multi-modal connectivity is at the heart of the design:
Road: NLEX Airport Expressway delivers direct, toll-free access to the
terminal
Rail: MRT-7 spur will ferry passengers to Quezon City and Manila in
under 20 minutes
Sea: Provisional landing stages could host ferry shuttles across
Manila Bay
2.4 Socio-Economic Impact
Projected to generate over 200,000 jobs, NMIA will spark growth in
coordination, hospitality, retail, and services. Its aerotropolis masterplan
envisions industrial parks, freeways, and urban villages clustered around the
airport, transforming Bulacan’s coastline.
3. Expansion & Risk Profile
3.1 Future Growth
Beyond the four-runway core, master plans allocate land for:
Cargo terminals and cold-chain parks
MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) hangars
Seaport linkage for intermodal freight
Business districts, hotels, and exhibition centers
3.2 Key Risks
Flooding & Storm Surge: Coastal defenses—floodwalls, pumping
systems—are integral to the earthworks plan.
Seismic Activity: Located in Seismic Zone II; all structures follow
performance-based design under NSCP.
Social Resettlement: Relocation of ~700 fishing households requires
ongoing livelihood programs and transparent community engagement.
4. SWOT Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
• Generous 2,500 ha flat site for up to • High flood and soil-liquefaction
six runways vulnerability
• Immediate NLEX and future MRT-7 • Heavy reclamation and
connectivity remediation costs
• Complex social resettlement and
• Integral link in PH’s airport network
livelihood impacts
• Clear coastal winds, excellent visibility • Biodiversity trade-offs from
for runway ops mangrove conversion
Opportunities Threats
• Flagship aerotropolis with cargo, MRO,
• Typhoon events and sea-level rise
seaport, business hubs
• Cutting-edge sustainability and • Airspace deconfliction with NAIA
smart-airport technologies and Clark
• Massive regional economic multiplier • Environmental or local
Strengths Weaknesses
community opposition
• Catalyst for Central Luzon urban
• Policy shifts or regulatory delays
growth
5. Design Considerations
1. Stormwater Systems
Multi-tiered detention basins, floodwalls, and permeable pavements to
buffer extreme tides.
2. Elevated Critical Zones
Terminal podium and service yards raised above 4 m AMSL for
resilience.
3. Climate-Responsive Architecture
Wind-resistant canopies, passive cooling courtyards, and solar shading
screens.
4. Green Infrastructure
Rain gardens, bioswales, rooftop photovoltaics, and biofiltration
trenches.
5. Seamless Transfers
Integrated landside/airside circulation with RFID wayfinding, timed
shuttle services, and unified ticketing.
6. Smart Systems
Biometric check-in gates, AI-driven baggage sortation, and predictive
passenger-flow analytics.
7. Cultural Expression
Local Bulacan motifs, wood-and-stone finishings, and craft installations
in public areas.
8. Modular Expansion
Demountable concourses and prefabricated gate modules for swift
capacity upgrades.
6. Regulatory Framework
Zoning: Bulakan Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance No. 13-212 (2017)
under RA 7160
Airspace & Height: CAAP/ATO per ICAO Annex 14 obstacle limitation
surfaces
NBC (RA 6541/PD 1096): Parking, setbacks, structural safety
Accessibility: BP 344 IRR for PWD facilities and circulation
Fire Code: RA 9514 provisions for fire compartments, hydrants, E&E
exits.
Structural: NSCP-2015 seismic and wind load criteria
Wildlife: CAAP-mandated Bird/Wildlife Management Plan per ICAO/FAA
guidelines
