New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has partnered with Collins Aerospace to introduce facial recognition technology at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The initiative is part of a modernization drive launched after NNIC took over airport operations in September 2024, and is intended to streamline passenger processing from check-in through boarding.
Facial Recognition Rollout
Twenty-four self-service check-in kiosks with facial recognition are now operating in NAIA’s departure lobbies. NNIC has indicated that these kiosks are the first stage in a wider biometric system designed to eventually let passengers check in, drop bags, clear security, and board using only their face as identification. The timeline for broader deployment across all terminals has not yet been confirmed. The project builds on the biometric initiative announced earlier this year by Philippine aviation authorities.
Passenger traffic at NAIA reached 51.7 million over the past year, representing a six percent increase year-on-year, while flight movements totaled 283,771. NNIC has said the adoption of biometric systems, combined with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to reduce congestion and improve efficiency as traffic continues to grow.
Infrastructure Improvements and Performance
NNIC has paired the biometric rollout with other upgrades across the airport. Since the takeover, management has installed 11,820 new chairs, added 2,500 baggage trolleys, expanded Wi-Fi speeds from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps, and put in place 21 new air-conditioning units. A dedicated lounge for overseas Filipino workers opened in Terminal 3 and has already served nearly 500,000 passengers. On-time performance has also improved, with NAIA recording a 92.12 percent punctuality rate on one day in August 2025, its best ever.
“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,” said NNIC president Ramon Ang.
The Collins Aerospace partnership reflects a wider global shift toward biometric automation in aviation. As NAIA modernizes, the airport’s management says continued upgrades will balance passenger growth with improved service levels and stronger financial returns to the state.
Sources: Manila Standard, Philstar, InsiderPH
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
