AFTER its first year running Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is preparing to roll out a new facial recognition system powered by Collins Aerospace, where travelers will soon be able to check in, drop bags, clear security, and board flights using just their face.
The launch will cap a milestone first year for NNIC, which officially took over operations of NAIA on September 14, 2024.
From that date through September 13, 2025, NAIA welcomed 51.7 million passengers, 2.9 million more than the same period the year before, a 6% increase. The airport also handled 283,771 flights. During this period, NAIA also attained an on-time performance high of 92.12% in a single day — the highest ever recorded in the airport’s history.
Operational changes such as reconfiguring aircraft parking stands, expanding taxiway movements, and removing abandoned aircraft freed up valuable space for smoother airside operations, even allowing NAIA to add new domestic and international routes with 47 airline partners.
Inside the terminals, passengers are already seeing improvements: 11,820 new chairs, 2,500 baggage trolleys, 21 new air-conditioning units and chillers, and Wi-Fi upgraded from 1G to 10G. All escalators, walkalators, and elevators are now operational, while 34 new boarding bridges have been ordered. Restroom renovations are ongoing, with one set already refurbished, six under renovation, and 10 new ones planned. A dedicated OFW lounge in Terminal 3 has served nearly half a million overseas Filipino workers, with a second lounge set to open at Terminal 1.
Passenger mobility has also improved with a fleet of 20 new shuttle buses, already carrying more than half a million travelers between terminals. Behind the scenes, baggage handling was streamlined to process 51.3 million bags over the past year, keeping pace with the passenger surge without the long queues NAIA was once known for.
Beyond physical upgrades, NNIC has begun embedding global standards, pursuing ISO certifications in quality, environment, and safety. Its sustainability initiatives include clearing 266,463 tons of waste and silt from surrounding waterways to reduce flooding, introducing a Tenant Environmental Handbook, and rolling out green policies such as a single-use plastics ban, water conservation, composting, and energy efficiency measures.
Meanwhile, to sustain these gains, NAIA’s terminal fees will be updated for the first time in 20 years starting September 14. Even with the adjustment — set by government with the Asian Development Bank as adviser — NAIA’s rates will only match other local airports and remain among the lowest in Asia. Since the turnover in 2024, NNIC has already remitted P48.3 billion to government, including a P30-billion upfront payment, with 82% 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. 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 government and our partners, we will sustain these gains and finally deliver a truly world-class NAIA,” said NNIC President Ramon S. Ang.
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