The groundbreaking ceremony for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 station of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) in the Philippines took place on 16 September 2026.

The NAIA Terminal 3 station is an important component of the MMSP, providing a direct rail connection between the airport and the Metro Manila subway network. Construction of the station, which is part of Contract Package 109 (CP109), will be carried out by the Taisei-DMCI Joint Venture.

The MMSP has also achieved a tunnel breakthrough, with the tunnel boring machine (TBM) reaching Quezon Avenue station from North Avenue station. A ceremony to mark the breakthrough was held on 23 September 2026.

Construction of the two stations and associated tunnels under Contract Package 102 (CP102) is being undertaken by the Nishimatsu Construction-DCMI Joint Venture.

Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the MMSP reflects JICA’s support for railway development in the Philippines, helping the country to develop an integrated and sustainable urban transport system for Metro Manila as the capital region continues to grow.

According to JICA, the Quezon Avenue station tunnel breakthrough and the NAIA Terminal 3 station groundbreaking signal steady progress towards the completion of the Philippines’ first subway and demonstrate the strong cooperation between JICA, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other relevant stakeholders.

Once completed, the MMSP will integrate with LRT Lines 1 and 2, as well as MRT Line 3. Featuring 17 stations, the MMSP will connect six cities in Metro Manila and play a critical role in promoting a modal shift from private vehicles to public mass transit.

All images: JICA