Airports are often a traveler’s first and last impression of a country. Unfortunately, for many visitors to the Philippines, that impression can turn sour at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), particularly when it comes to taxi services around Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

While NAIA itself still has plenty of room for improvement in its facilities and services, airport taxis remain a major issue for both local and foreign travelers. Reports of taxi drivers overcharging passengers continue to surface, with some allegedly demanding as much as USD 100 for short trips between airport terminals or nearby destinations. (Read: Another overcharging airport taxi puts PH tourism in bad light; LTO impounds vehicle)

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is now stepping up enforcement against these practices, conducting a joint operation against colorum and overcharging taxis at the NAIA Complex in Pasay City on August 25, 2026.

The operation, conducted from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, targeted taxis allegedly involved in colorum operations, overcharging, contracting, and refusing to transport passengers to their destinations.

“Hindi dapat nagiging pagkakataon ang serbisyo sa pampublikong transportasyon para manlamang o magsamantala sa mga pasahero. Kailangang masiguro natin na ang mga PUVs ay sumusunod sa kanilang prangkisa at nagbibigay ng maayos at patas na serbisyo sa publiko,” said LTO Assistant Secretary, Markus Lacanilao.

(Public transportation services should not be an opportunity to take advantage of or exploit passengers. We must ensure that PUVs comply with the conditions of their franchises and provide proper and fair service to the public.)

A total of 11 taxi public utility vehicles (PUVs) were issued Temporary Operator’s Permits (TOPs) for breach of franchise conditions. The operation was conducted by LTO personnel in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Aviation Security Unit (AVSEU)-NCR.

The agency also assured the public that it would continue working with other law enforcement agencies to identify and penalize taxi operators and drivers who violate the conditions of their franchises.