President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday launched new facilities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, citing faster immigration processing, improved passenger amenities, and early gains from the airport’s rehabilitation under a public-private partnership.
Speaking at NAIA Terminal 3, he said passengers can now clear immigration in as little as 20 seconds with the rollout of new e-gates, a move he said reflects a push for “people-centered service” and respect for travelers’ time.
The president credited the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), which took over the rehabilitation and management of the country’s main gateway more than a year ago, for easing congestion, strengthening airside operations, and upgrading seating, cooling systems, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and baggage handling.
The consortium is led by businessman Ramon Ang.
“Because through this partnership, the airport has achieved a single-day high 92 percent on-time performance, even at the same time passenger volumes, routes, and airline partners continued to grow,” the president said.
“Efficiency follows when systems are fixed and institutions cooperate,” President Marcos said, adding that the improvements are meant to position the Philippines as a tourism hub in Asia.
Among the new facilities unveiled were the All-Filipino Food Hall, featuring 15 local brands, and the Mezzanine Food Hall with 17 restaurants and cafés. NAIA also opened a Dignitaries Lounge and a Medical Tourism Concierge Area designed to assist arriving patients with privacy and efficiency.
The Department of Tourism also introduced a Transit Tour program for international passengers with long layovers, allowing eligible travelers to take short, curated tours highlighting Philippine culture and heritage.
The program is open to transiting passengers of Philippine Airlines, those connecting through other carriers, and travelers with onward domestic flights.
President Marcos said the upgrades were designed with overseas Filipino workers in mind, calling them the country’s “new heroes”, citing the case of an OFW in Hong Kong who rescued an infant during a recent fire as an example of Filipino compassion.
He also announced that the Bureau of Customs has begun releasing approximately 130 abandoned container vans of balikbayan boxes to their owners, after months of delay caused by unpaid fees from freight handlers.
The boxes, some sent as Christmas gifts last year, will now be returned, President Marcos said.
