MANILA – Passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 can expect better connectivity options following the launch of Converge’s free WiFi program on Tuesday.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said Converge, one of the country’s fiber broadband providers, is also planning to expand its free internet services at Terminals 1 and 2 of the country’s main gateway in the coming months.

“This new dimension of connectivity will be much appreciated by the hundreds of passengers, allowing the airport to go a notch higher in global standards,” Bautista said during the launch.

He thanked Converge chief executive officer Dennis Uy for making good on his promise to provide free WiFi services at NAIA.

He encouraged similar public-private partnerships to improve the country’s transportation hubs such as rail lines, bus terminals and seaports.

“I hope this will signal the start of other collaborations to improve the service of airports, seaports, bus terminals, and rail systems,” he said.

Converge first launched its free WiFi program in July at NAIA Terminal 4 – a free 120-minute internet access.

Similar services are available at NAIA through telecommunication giants PLDT-Smart and Globe.

Ready for the holidays

Meanwhile, Bautista said NAIA is ready for the expected rush of Christmas holiday travelers, estimated to reach around 138,000 daily, similar to the passenger traffic during the village and youth polls on Oct. 30 and All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on Nov. 1 and 2.

He said NAIA’s on-time performance reached 84 percent during the period, with the same or higher efficiency rating expected during the holidays.

Bautista reminded passengers to book and plan their flights early to avoid hassles and reach their destinations in as little time as possible. (PNA)