NAIA eyes activation of biometric immigration eGates for December

The new biometric immigration eGates at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will be rolled out in phases beginning in December, according to the New NAIA Infra Corp.

In a news release, the company said the new system—which uses passport-scanning and facial recognition technology—aims to reduce wait times and improve passenger processing.

The eGates are deployed in NAIA terminals 1 and 3, where immigration checks are required.

"The first phase is scheduled to go live starting December 2025, with full deployment expected early next year," the NNIC said.

Once activated, the new system works alongside biometric passenger touchpoints that NNIC has been rolling out across check-in, security screening, and boarding.

In May, the Department of Transportation said that more eGates would be installed at NAIA before the end of the year to reduce long queues at immigration counters.

Meanwhile, the NNIC said in September that it's gearing up to roll out a new facial recognition system, powered by Collins Aerospace, which would allow passengers to check in, drop bags, clear security, and board flights using just their face.

"Hindi na kailangan bumunot ng passport. Soon, magkakaroon tayo niyan," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said about the technology in June.

NAIA has seen improvements over the past year, including the opening of the 6,000 square-meter Mezzanine Food Hall in NAIA Terminal 3. There, travelers can enjoy a wide variety of dining options, including Kenny Rogers, Seattle's Best Coffee, LA Chicks, Paris Baguette, KFC, Chili's, Nanyang, BreadTalk, and JCO Reserve.

The NNIC took over the airport's operations in September 2024 after winning the bidding in February.