NAIA Is Getting a Major Upgrade With Facial Recognition E-Gates by 2025

If you have ever flown out of NAIA and thought, “There must be a quicker way to get through this queue,” here is some exciting news. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is finally set for a much-needed upgrade and it involves facial recognition technology.

NAIA will soon install facial recognition e-gates at immigration, designed to make the airport experience smoother, faster, and more secure. This project is part of a bigger modernisation plan by New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC) in partnership with Collins Aerospace.

Also read: How to Start Travelling as a Filipino: Beginner’s Guide

Facial recognition e-gates will soon be in place

In just a few months, passengers flying from NAIA will be able to use facial recognition to pass through immigration. These smart e-gates will scan your face and match it to your travel documents automatically. There will be no need to show your passport or wait for manual inspections. You simply walk through and go straight to your gate.

This is a huge shift for NAIA and it is part of a bigger goal to give Filipino travellers a world-class airport experience.

More tech upgrades are on the way

NAIA’s transformation does not stop at facial recognition. Several systems and services will be updated to make the entire airport journey more convenient.

• Self-check-in and bag drop kiosks will be added, allowing passengers to check in and drop their luggage without needing help from staff. This will help speed things up, especially during busy travel seasons.

• Flight information displays will be upgraded to provide real-time updates. This means no more guessing if your gate has changed or wondering whether your flight is delayed.

• Security and crowd control systems will also improve. New pre-security e-gates and digital tools will help manage foot traffic better, making the airport feel less crowded and stressful.

• Behind-the-scenes systems will get a complete refresh too. A new Airport Operational Database and Resource Management System will help staff stay organised and efficient. A Baggage Reconciliation System will be introduced as well, helping to track luggage more accurately and reduce lost items.

When will everything be ready?

The upgrade project started in May 2025 and is expected to be completed by September this year. If your next international flight is scheduled late in the year, you might just be among the first to try these new systems.

Also read: Must-Have Travel Apps for Every Filipino Traveller in 2025

Why this upgrade matters for Filipino travellers

Let us face it. Many of us have had a rough experience at NAIA, whether it is long lines, delayed updates, or luggage issues. But this time, the changes are serious and backed by solid partnerships. The goal is not just to add fancy tech. It is to make every part of the airport experience better for travellers.

With more Filipinos exploring the world, whether for work or leisure, having a reliable and efficient airport matters. NAIA’s improvements are a big step towards making travel less stressful and more enjoyable, starting from the moment you arrive at the airport.

Planning your next trip soon? Keep an eye out for these changes. NAIA is finally stepping up, and it looks like flying from Manila is about to get a lot easier.