In a significant step towards modernizing airport facilities and improving travel experience for both Filipinos and international visitors, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that additional electronic immigration gates (e-gates) will be installed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) before the end of the year.
This initiative is in direct response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to upgrade the country’s main gateway and alleviate long queues at immigration counters, especially during peak travel seasons.
Speaking at a Palace press briefing on Friday, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon underscored the agency’s commitment to sustained efforts in reducing passenger waiting times. He cited the successful partnership with the Bureau of Immigration during the recent Holy Week season, which significantly streamlined processing at NAIA’s international departure area.
“When we collaborated with the Bureau of Immigration before Holy Week, we truly saw the difference – that we can indeed shorten the lines at NAIA immigration,” Secretary Dizon stated.
He further revealed that San Miguel Corporation will be donating the additional e-gates. “San Miguel Corporation will provide a donation, and I believe that within the year, before Christmas, we will add more e-gates at NAIA – further eliminating queues at NAIA immigration, in line with the President’s order,” Dizon added.
To demonstrate the tangible improvements, Secretary Dizon shared a video taken at NAIA on April 10, showcasing a notably smoother flow of passengers during the typically congested early morning rush hour. This, he said, serves as proof of the government’s capacity to enhance travel systems through better coordination and the integration of technology.
The new e-gates, which utilize biometric verification to automate immigration checks, are designed to significantly speed up passenger processing while upholding stringent border security standards. Their deployment before the Christmas 2025 travel surge is expected to ensure a more efficient and comfortable immigration clearance for all travelers. E-gates are already a standard feature in many advanced international airports worldwide.
