Ninoy Aquino International Airport has integrated biometric technology across additional airlines, enabling faster check-in, bag drop, security screening, and boarding processes.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has announced the inclusion of more airlines in its biometric check-in system, aimed at expediting passenger procedures throughout the airport. This update supports streamlined processing by utilizing facial recognition technology for faster check-ins, automated bag drops, and boarding. The new participating airlines are spread across the airport’s three terminals: Terminal 1 includes Philippine Airlines and Asiana Airlines; Terminal 2 includes AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines; Terminal 3 includes Qatar Airways, Air Canada, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and United Airlines.
To use the biometric system, passengers undergo a one-time facial registration at self check-in kiosks after scanning their passports. This facilitates printing of boarding passes and bag tags, self-service bag dropping, passage through automated security lanes, and facial recognition at boarding gates. The initiative began with NAIA’s announcement in June 2025 and included installation of biometric e-gates and bag drop counters later that year.
According to an official NAIA advisory, this phased implementation seeks to reduce wait times and improve convenience by minimizing manual ID checks. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the goal of using facial recognition as identification, eliminating the need to present passports during airport procedures. This development is expected to positively impact both local travelers and overseas workers flying through NAIA by accelerating airport processes and enhancing efficiency.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/977307/more-airlines-included-in-naia-s-biometric-check-in-process/story/
