Bulacan Airport Update: Progress at Last
After years of speculation, the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan is finally pushing forward. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed that terminal construction will officially begin in January 2026, led by San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI)—a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
Phase 1 is targeted to be completed by November 2028, with operations expected to start right after. Once operational, this first phase alone will be capable of handling 35 million passengers annually. For context, that’s close to the current capacity of NAIA, which is already bursting at the seams.
But beyond the timelines, the bigger question is: what does this mean for homeowners, property investors, and the livability of Bulacan?
A Game-Changer for Connectivity
The airport site spans 2,500 hectares in Bulakan, Bulacan, just about 35 kilometers north of Metro Manila. Once it opens, travel time for residents of Bulacan to international flights will shrink dramatically compared to battling EDSA traffic just to reach NAIA in Pasay.
For Metro Manila dwellers, this also offers an alternative gateway. Think about how Clark International Airport gave Pampanga its economic spark; Bulacan’s NMIA is set to do the same—but on a far bigger scale.
What It Means for Homeowners
For current Bulacan homeowners, property values are likely to appreciate significantly. Proximity to a world-class airport has historically raised residential demand—think of how Mactan-Cebu International Airport transformed Mactan into a hotbed of real estate development.
For future homeowners, it’s a double-edged sword: yes, accessibility and urban progress make Bulacan more livable, but it could also mean higher entry costs as demand grows. Buying early—whether for residential lots, townhouses, or condos—may be a strategic move before 2026 construction sends prices upward.
What It Means for Investors
Investors—both local and foreign—are watching closely. Bulacan, traditionally seen as a commuter belt to Metro Manila, is fast transforming into a business and logistics hub. Expect:
- Commercial growth – malls, business parks, and industrial estates to support the airport ecosystem.
- Hospitality surge – hotels, resorts, and Airbnb-type rentals to serve transit passengers and tourists.
- Infrastructure spillovers – new roads, bridges, and transport links will lift surrounding municipalities.
This positions Bulacan not just as a bedroom community but as a self-sustaining growth corridor.
Livability of Bulacan
A new airport can do more than move people—it can reshape a province’s identity. For Bulacan, this means:
- Jobs closer to home – construction, airport operations, and related industries will generate thousands of employment opportunities.
- Better infrastructure – projects linked to NMIA include roads and flood-control measures, improving quality of life.
- Balanced urbanization – with Metro Manila overcrowded, Bulacan offers a release valve where urban growth meets suburban breathing room.
The challenge will be sustainable development. If managed well, Bulacan could strike the balance between progress and livability, avoiding the pitfalls of unplanned urban sprawl.
Landing the Next Big Opportunity
The New Manila International Airport is more than just a transport project—it’s a real estate and economic catalyst. For homeowners, it signals rising property values. For investors, it’s a green light to look north of Metro Manila. And for residents, it promises better connectivity, more jobs, and an upgraded quality of life.
If you’ve been eyeing Bulacan, the countdown to 2026 is your signal: get in early, before the planes start landing in 2028.
