New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has teamed up with Collins Aerospace to launch a facial recognition system, allowing travelers to move through the airport—from check-in to boarding—using only their face.
The new system is a key achievement for NNIC, which took over operations of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Sept. 14, 2024.
The company said that NAIA has welcomed 51.7 million passengers until September 13, 2025, up 6 percent or 2.9 million since it took over the airport operations. It also handled 283,771 flights and, on one day, achieved a record on-time performance of 92.12 percent.
Operational changes, such as reconfiguring aircraft parking stands, expanding taxiway movements and removing abandoned aircraft, freed up valuable space for smoother airside operations. This has allowed NAIA to add new domestic and international routes with 47 airline partners.
Inside the terminals, passengers have seen improvements, including 11,820 new chairs, 2,500 baggage trolleys and 21 new air-conditioning units and chillers. Wi-Fi has been upgraded from 1G to 10G. All escalators, walkalators and elevators are now operational, and 34 new boarding bridges have been ordered.
Renovations of restrooms are ongoing, with one set refurbished, six under renovation and 10 new ones planned. A dedicated lounge for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has served nearly 500,000 travelers in Terminal 3, with a second lounge set to open at Terminal 1.
Passenger mobility has also improved with a fleet of 20 new shuttle buses, which have carried more than 500,000 travelers between terminals.
The baggage handling system processed 51.3 million bags over the past year, keeping pace with the passenger surge and reducing long queues.
Beyond physical upgrades, NNIC has begun pursuing ISO certifications in quality, environment and safety. Sustainability initiatives include clearing 266,463 tons of waste and silt from surrounding waterways to reduce flooding, introducing a Tenant Environmental Handbook and implementing green policies like a single-use plastics ban, water conservation, and energy efficiency.
To sustain these improvements, NAIA’s terminal fees were updated for the first time in 20 years, effective Sept. 14.
Even with the adjustment—set by the government with the Asian Development Bank as an adviser—NAIA’s rates will only match other local airports and remain among the lowest in Asia, the operator said.
Since the 2024 turnover, NNIC has remitted P48.3 billion to the government, including a P30 billion upfront payment, with 82 percent of revenues going directly to the state.
“Operating an airport the size and scale of NAIA will always be demanding, but what this first year has shown is that with teamwork, discipline, and the dedication of our people, real change is possible,” NNIC president Ramon Ang said.
“Our employees—from the frontlines to behind the scenes—are the reason we have been able to serve more passengers, run more flights on time, and start building the airport the Filipino people deserve. Together with the government and our partners, we will sustain these gains and finally deliver a truly world-class NAIA,” he said.
