Duty Free Philippines is betting on airport expansion to lead its next phase of growth
Duty Free Philippines Corp. (DFPC) opens a new chapter in its modernization drive by strengthening its presence within international airports as part of its long-term growth strategy. As part of this transition, DFPC is in discussions about the future of its Fiesta Mall lease in Parañaque as it moves closer to expanding its presence within the country’s airports.
DFPC leadership said the review supports a strategic reorientation towards high-traffic destinations and reflects the organisation’s wider modernization efforts. “We want to increase the footprint of Duty Free and revive its glory days with expansion and new offerings. There is great potential in what comes with these changes,” they said.
Officials explained that the possible transition away from Fiesta Mall is considered in accordance with operational realities – including the aging of the site and the growing needs of maintenance – and emphasized that the expansion based on the airport is more in line with the global trends in non-professional sales, where digital development and renewed store formats are now important.
In line with the ongoing transformation at NAIA, DFPC is also developing its stores and services as it strives to remain a world-class, tourism-friendly retailer.
As foreign arrivals continue to rise – nearly six million foreign tourists will visit the Philippines in 2024 and nearly four million were recorded in the first eight months of 2025 – the DFPC said it is ramping up operations to meet the growing demand and advance its vision to transform the Duty Free Philippines into a powerful travel destination.
As part of their modernization drive, DFPC is making major improvements within the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, with expansion plans underway for both Terminals 1 and 3. At Airport 3, the company will expand its retail space from its current location to 6,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in the area to increase the capacity of the international travel network.
The transformation goes beyond square footage. DFPC is also reshaping its retail experience by expanding its inventory of premium labels, international brands, and emerging names, while opening its stores to more suppliers and brand partners. The result is a dynamic and inclusive product mix — one that ranges from exclusive and international bestsellers to Filipino-made and functional goods. pasalubong — gives travelers greater choice without lowering the price.
DFPC leadership stressed that airport-based retail plays an important role in developing the country’s tourism system, helping to transform arrivals and departures halls, as well as terminals, into vibrant and service-oriented places. “This is not just an increase – it’s a change,” officials said. “We are creating stores that reflect the way Filipino travelers move, shop, and expect service today.”
And for many Filipinos coming home after months or years abroad, Duty Free Philippines has always been more than a store. It’s often a familiar first impression when you arrive – a place to pick up chocolates, perfumes, or small tokens for loved ones who are eagerly waiting to welcome them home. As DFPC reinvents itself for a new era of travel, it remains firmly woven into the old tradition as balikbayan suitcase: the joy of coming home with something for those who matter most.
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