New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is set to officially launch a series of new passenger facilities and systems at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, including biometric Immigration e-Gates, two new food halls, and a Dignitaries Lounge, as part of its ongoing airport modernization program.
A total of 78 biometric Immigration e-Gates are being deployed across NAIA under a phased rollout, with units already operational at Terminals 1 and 3, where international flights are handled. The systems, delivered and funded by NNIC, allow faster adoption of new technology at the country’s main gateway.
The biometric e-Gates enable eligible passengers to complete immigration clearance in around 20 seconds, easing congestion during peak travel periods. The system integrates biometric identity verification and document authentication while meeting the security requirements of border authorities.
The platform is powered by Amadeus, a global travel technology company that provides advanced passenger processing solutions to airports, airlines, and border agencies worldwide.
NNIC will also open two new food halls at Terminal 3, significantly expanding dining capacity and variety. The All-Filipino Tambayan Food Hall, spanning 6,200 square meters, can accommodate up to 2,000 guests and features 17 homegrown brands highlighting regional Filipino cuisine and local products.
Designed as a communal dining space, Tambayan allows travelers to experience Filipino flavors either upon arrival or before departure, reinforcing local identity at the airport.
Complementing this is the Mezzanine Food Hall, which covers 6,801 square meters, seats up to 600 guests, and houses 22 stand-alone restaurants and cafés, offering a broader mix of premium dining options.
Together, the new food halls aim to improve passenger comfort and make dining a central part of the Terminal 3 travel experience.
NNIC will likewise inaugurate the Dignitaries Lounge at Terminal 3, a 200-square-meter facility designed to host up to 61 official guests, providing a more appropriate venue for diplomatic and government engagements while reflecting Filipino hospitality.
Meanwhile, a new airside Food Village at Terminal 3 is being prepared for opening, expanding dining options for departing passengers after security clearance. It will feature a mix of popular local and international brands, including Bebang Halo-Halo, The Cozy Kitchen, Lechon Diva, Bo’s Coffee, Mamak, Pho Hoa, Aristocrat, Cinnabon, and Potato Corner, with additional outlets opening progressively.
NNIC said similar facility upgrades and system enhancements are also being developed across other terminals to improve operational efficiency and passenger experience airport-wide.
“This shows how our partnership with the government is delivering improvements that the public can actually see and feel. As we enter the new year, we look forward to building on what is already in place,” said NNIC President Ramon S. Ang.
The NAIA public-private partnership has generated more than ₱57 billion in remittances for the government to date, supporting broader public priorities. Further upgrades are expected to roll out in the coming months as modernization works continue at the country’s primary international gateway.