Clark Airport

This is a small airport about 2 hours from Manila by car. Upon arrival, I found that it took over an hour to get through immigration and customs. This is about the worst I've ever seen. After that, you'll probably want a taxi. Unfortunately, they will try to overcharge you, not even honoring the prices posted on the sign. There is no free wifi and it looks a bit sad and worn. One bright spot is that the food service counters, although humble in appearance, are relatively inexpensive for an airport. Also, the staff seem pleasant enough, despite the understaffing. I could easily forgive the airport not being fancy, but I can't forgive the slow and long queues at immigration and the mismanagement of the taxis.

Chaotic, no transfer facility, must clear customs and pay departure tax. 3 people on immigration for nearly 300 people, both in and out. It takes 10 minutes a person to clear immigration. If it had not been for ground staff we would have missed connection. It must have a transfer facility, if not close it!

I used to fly into Clark regularly and preferred it to Manila. The airport was refurbished and appears new and all areas from check in through security to departure gate is fast and efficient. In 2014 there was a number of International flights including Emirates and Gulf air flying into Clark And there was a good range of domestic flights available including flights to and from manila. However after an increase in fees charged to airlines most of these flights have now ended leaving an empty unused airport which handles a few flights daily. The one remaining domestic flight to Cebu departs late evening and the terminal is deserted. This is a wonderful modern clean efficient airport that is underused as a result there is very limited terminal shopping / refreshment facilities.

Outbound to Hong Kong 13 April. I could see definite improvements at this airport since my last visit. Much quicker through immigration both outbound and inbound. More shops available and eating establishments. Keep it up!

I recently had a 7 hour opportunity to observe Clark Airport. Clark has the makings of a good airport but attention to detail is sorely lacking. First of all there's free wifi - but only outside the airport (and maybe in Arrivals) airside you'll have to pay 800 pesos to use the VIP lounge. Airport tax as of 1 Feb is up to 600 pesos so don't spend all your local money! Then there's the bins - what bins? If you want a bin landside you'd better head to the restrooms. And while you're there bring your own toilet paper. There's no spray either. Airside (after you've paid your 600 pesos) there is toilet paper and some bins although they are few and far between. If you're downstairs where the "cheap" airlines leave from don't expect aircon or PA announcements. Upstairs there is aircon and PA but good luck hearing sufficiently to understand anything that's said in most announcements (Qatar Airways was the exception). So-called duty free stores are quite egregious here I saw packs of 6 beers with a normal retail value of 180-200 pesos priced at 500. News stand? Actually there was a small kiosk that at least sold a few magazines. Free drinking water? In your dreams. As for vegetarian food options - just head towards the exit keep going turn right and wait for the next jeepney back to town. Are there any good points? Well they do have seats you can stretch out on and it is reasonably bright and modern but it's not a nice place to spend any amount of time.

I used Clark for the first time recently when flying with Emirates to Dubai. On the positive - it is spacious very clean light wide check in areas smooth passport control and a comfortable departure lounge. A welcome change to the drabness and congestion of NAIA T1. On the not-so-positive - the bus service from Manila is infrequent and the Philtranco bus timetable meant I had to arrive 4 hours before departure. There is very little to keep you occupied once in the departure area with no news stands and little eating and drinking options. The only smoking lounge costs 300PHP to use although they do include coffee and small snacks in the price. Perhaps things will improve if another one or two international carriers start to operate from here as potentially it can be a much better option than MNL.

So convenient to access compared to Manila. Staff helpful and checking-in quick. You can easily see how this eventually will become the main international for Luzon being that Manila is probably the worst airport in the world. Facilities still basic but cheap with lots of building going on.

I have now used this airport twice recently. Nowadays it is busier and queuing at immigration for departures appears to be problematic at busy times. It took me some 45 minutes. The shops are adequate and the staff are friendly. Arrivals was good with proactive customs officers looking to keep queues to a minimum.