LOOK: Biometric immigration e-gates, food halls, and other new facilities now open at NAIA Terminal 3
Attention, travelers! New facilities, including biometric immigration e-gates, have officially opened at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
NAIA, which is now SMC-operated, rolled out the new facilities on Dec. 16.
With the upgraded gates, New NAIA Infra Corp. says that passengers will be able to clear immigration in about 20 seconds with their passport through facial recognition technology. The e-gates at NAIA Terminal 1 are also now operating.
In a Facebook post, NNIC detailed that Philippine passport holders who are OFWs can use the e-gates at departure, while all Philippine passport holders can pass through them during arrival.
"All biometric data is handled and stored by the Bureau of Immigration, in accordance with government data privacy and security protocols," it said.
Previously, NNIC said that the new system uses passport-scanning and facial recognition technology to reduce wait times and improve passenger processing, especially during peak times.
It will work alongside biometric passenger touchpoints that NNIC has been rolling out across check-in, security screening, and boarding.
The rollout is being done in phases.
New food halls
On Tuesday, NNIC also unveiled new facilities at Terminal 3, including the All-Filipino Tambayan Food Hall and the Mezzanine Food Hall. Moreover, the Dignitaries Lounge opened, aimed at providing a comfortable space for distinguished guests.
"As more people pass through the airport, our focus is on keeping things moving efficiently while improving the overall experience. More improvements are on the way," NNIC said.
This is part of the changes promised by the San Miguel-led consortium after it won the NAIA rehabilitation project worth P170 billion in 2024.
The corporation said that it would implement gradual changes, such as upgrading terminals and facilities, to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers. These include the passenger processing system, baggage handling, enhanced WiFi, and electrical and air conditioning, among others. NAIA also aims to increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate 35 to 62 million passengers annually.
