One year after taking over operations of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) is set to roll out a new facial recognition system powered by Collins Aerospace, allowing passengers to check in, drop bags, clear security, and board using only their face.
The digital upgrade marks a milestone year for NNIC, which officially assumed control of NAIA on September 14, 2024. Over the past 12 months, the airport handled 51.7 million passengers — a 6 percent increase from the previous year — and processed 283,771 flights. NAIA also recorded its highest-ever single-day on-time performance at 92.12 percent.
Infrastructure and operational enhancements contributed to the improved performance. Changes included reconfigured aircraft parking, expanded taxiway capacity, and the removal of abandoned planes, which enabled smoother airside operations and allowed for the expansion of domestic and international routes with 47 airline partners.
Terminal upgrades were also rolled out: 11,820 new chairs, 2,500 baggage trolleys, 21 air-conditioning units, Wi-Fi boosted from 1G to 10G, and all escalators and elevators restored to full operation. A total of 34 new boarding bridges are on order, and ongoing restroom renovations are in progress, with 10 more facilities planned.
A dedicated lounge for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Terminal 3 has served nearly 500,000 passengers, with a second lounge set to open in Terminal 1. Passenger movement between terminals has also improved through a fleet of 20 shuttle buses, which have already transported over half a million travelers.
Behind the scenes, 51.3 million bags were processed efficiently over the year, avoiding the long queues previously associated with NAIA.
NNIC also launched sustainability initiatives, including the removal of over 266,000 tons of silt and waste from waterways to reduce flooding, the implementation of a single-use plastics ban, and the rollout of energy efficiency and water conservation programs. The company is also pursuing ISO certifications in quality, environmental, and safety standards.
To sustain ongoing improvements, NAIA’s terminal fees will be adjusted for the first time in 20 years starting September 14. The revised rates — set by the government with the Asian Development Bank’s guidance — will bring NAIA in line with other Philippine airports and remain among the lowest in Asia.
In its first year, NNIC remitted ₱48.3 billion to the government, including a ₱30-billion upfront payment, with 82 percent of revenues returned to the state.
“Operating an airport the size and scale of NAIA will always be demanding,” said NNIC president Ramon S. Ang. “But what this first year has shown is that with teamwork, discipline, and dedication, real change is possible. Together with the government and our partners, we will sustain these gains and finally deliver a truly world-class NAIA.”
