FEBRUARY 25, 2026 — Clark International Airport (CRK) has just scored a win not only for Pampanga but for the entire Philippines. Named one of only six airports worldwide to receive the “Best Airports at Arrivals” award for 2025, Clark is now rubbing shoulders with the likes of Bahrain International Airport and four major hubs in India. The recognition comes from Airports Council International (ACI) World, through its prestigious Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards.

What makes this award special? It’s not based on glossy brochures or PR campaigns — it’s grounded in real-time passenger surveys. Nearly 707,000 travelers worldwide rated their arrival experiences, and Clark stood out for efficiency, comfort, and that signature Filipino warmth. 

Noel Manankil, President and CEO of LIPAD, the consortium managing CRK, summed it up: “This recognition reflects the hard work of our team and partners who ensure that every passenger is welcomed with efficiency, comfort, and genuine Filipino hospitality.”

For us, this is more than bragging rights. It’s proof that our airports can deliver world-class service, challenging the long-standing narrative that only Manila’s NAIA defines the country’s aviation face. Clark’s rise signals a shift: a growing hub that can ease congestion in Metro Manila, attract more international flights, and give balikbayans and tourists a smoother first impression of the Philippines.

The award will be formally handed out at the ACI World Airport Experience Summit in Istanbul in 2026. But the real victory is already here — Clark has shown that Filipino hospitality, when paired with modern infrastructure and efficient management, can compete globally.

So if Clark can set the global standard for arrivals, what’s stopping the rest of our airports from stepping up to match it? See, we can do it!

(Image: Clark International Airport)