Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has launched 78 biometric eGates for immigration processing as part of its modernization program, targeting an average processing time of about 20 seconds per passenger, according to International Airport Review.
International Airport Review reported that the airport serves more than 50 million passengers annually and is operated by New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), a San Miguel Group subsidiary. The rollout is tied to a reported $3 billion modernization plan intended to upgrade airport infrastructure and passenger processing.
The first 24 eGates went live in December 2025, with the remaining 54 scheduled for early 2026, the report said, completing the 78-gate rollout. The eGates integrate identity validation, document authentication, and real-time monitoring and connect to border authority backend systems, enabling automated processing for eligible travelers.
NNIC President Ramon S. Ang said the biometric immigration process is intended to clear travelers in seconds while improving efficiency and security. Amadeus is cited as the technology partner for the biometric immigration process.
Amadeus Senior Vice President Jonathan Tong said the project demonstrates collaboration among an airport operator, a border authority, and a technology partner, as airports pursue biometric automation to reduce congestion and improve throughput at immigration checkpoints.
Airport biometric programs have been expanding globally, including deployments of biometric e-gates to speed up immigration and vendor work on travel digital identity standards such as Amadeus’ MoU with ICAO on digital identity and biometrics.
The report did not provide a detailed breakdown of the technologies used beyond the biometric eGates, but it emphasized the integration of identity validation and document authentication within the automated flow.
Sources: International Airport Review
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
