After completing its first year of operations at the Philippine Airport, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is set to roll out a state-of-the-art facial recognition system powered by Collins Aerospace. Soon, travelers will be able to check in, drop baggage, clear security, and board flights using only their face, making air travel more seamless and efficient.
The milestone coincides with NNIC’s first anniversary of officially taking over the airport on September 14, 2024. From then until September 13, 2025, the Philippine Airport recorded 51.7 million passengers, an increase of 2.9 million (6%) year-on-year. It also handled 283,771 flights, achieving a record-high 92.12% on-time performance in a single day — the best in its history.
Operational and Passenger Service Upgrades
Key operational changes such as reconfigured parking stands, expanded taxiways, and the removal of abandoned aircraft created more efficient airside movement, enabling the airport to add new domestic and international routes with 47 airline partners.
Inside the terminals, visible upgrades include 11,820 new chairs, 2,500 baggage trolleys, 21 new air-conditioning units and chillers, and upgraded Wi-Fi from 1G to 10G. All escalators, walkalators, and elevators are now fully operational, while 34 new boarding bridges are on order. Restroom improvements are ongoing, with 1 already completed, 6 under renovation, and 10 new ones in the pipeline.
Passenger care has also been prioritized. A dedicated OFW lounge in Terminal 3 has already served nearly 500,000 overseas Filipino workers, with a second lounge soon to open at Terminal 1. Meanwhile, 20 new shuttle buses have transported over 500,000 travelers between terminals, ensuring smoother mobility.
Behind the scenes, baggage handling kept pace with the surge, processing 51.3 million bags without the notorious delays once associated with the airport.
Sustainability and Standards
NNIC is embedding global benchmarks, pursuing ISO certifications on quality, environment, and safety. Sustainability initiatives include the clearing of 266,463 tons of waste and silt from waterways to reduce flooding, implementation of a Tenant Environmental Handbook, and rollout of green policies such as a ban on single-use plastics, water conservation, composting, and energy efficiency measures.
Revenue Impact and Updated Fees
To sustain these improvements, the airport’s terminal fees will be updated for the first time in 20 years, effective September 14, 2025. Despite the adjustment, guided by government and the Asian Development Bank — rates will remain aligned with other Philippine airports and among the lowest in Asia.
Since the 2024 turnover, NNIC has already remitted ₱48.3 billion to the government, including a ₱30-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,” said NNIC President Ramon S. Ang.
“Together with government and our partners, we will sustain these gains and finally deliver a truly world-class airport the Filipino people deserve.”