The Philippines will introduce facial recognition technology at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as part of efforts to modernise the country’s main gateway and ease congestion, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has announced.
The system, scheduled for rollout in time for the holiday season, will allow passengers to use their faces as digital identification, reducing reliance on passports and physical documents during immigration checks.
Authorities expect the move to shorten queues and improve efficiency for millions of travellers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who frequently pass through the airport.
Streamlining passenger processing
Marcos said the technology would help reduce the delays and inconvenience long associated with air travel in Manila.
“Imagine a future where soon, very soon, their face alone will be enough,” he told reporters during a briefing at NAIA Terminal 3, according to the Philippine Information Agency.
He added that the initiative was intended to cut waiting times and ease the burden on passengers, particularly OFWs, who often face lengthy lines and repeated document checks.
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Airport overhaul
The introduction of biometric processing forms part of a wider modernisation programme being carried out under a public-private partnership (PPP).
Marcos described the NAIA project as the largest and fastest PPP initiative the Philippines has undertaken, stressing its importance in aligning the country’s infrastructure with international standards.
The President also pointed to other improvements already in place, including the relocation of vehicle services such as taxis and hired cars underground to ease road congestion around the terminals.
Push for global standards
Marcos said the current upgrades were the most significant changes to NAIA in decades and urged sustained efforts to bring the airport to “world-class” levels.
“This is the nicest I’ve seen the airport in 20–30 years. So, let’s keep doing it,” he said.
Officials believe the integration of biometric technology will not only accelerate processing but also improve international perceptions of the country’s airport services.
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Shameeka Voyiya 
Newsjustnews writers 
Ren Azrack Escosio