New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), the operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, is officially rolling out its state-of-the-art Biometric Passenger Processing System. This digital initiative aims to streamline the airport experience, allowing passengers to breeze through check-in, bag drop, and boarding with significantly fewer manual document checks.
The implementation marks a major milestone in NNICโs commitment to modernizing the Philippines’ primary gateway and transforming it into a world-class, technology-driven hub.
A Seamless, “Single Token” Journey
The biometric system uses facial recognition technology to create a “single token” for travelers. Once a passengerโs identity is verified at the initial touchpoint, their face becomes their boarding pass.
Key benefits of the new system include:
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Reduced Waiting Times: Faster processing at every stage of the departure journey.
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Contactless Convenience: Minimizes physical contact and the constant need to present passports and boarding passes.
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Enhanced Security: Highly accurate identity verification integrated with airline databases.
The service is currently live across selected terminals for passengers flying on participating airlines. Integration is ongoing, with more domestic and international carriers expected to join the biometric network in the coming months.
โOur goal is to eliminate the bottlenecks that traditionally make air travel stressful,โ said a spokesperson for NNIC. โBy integrating biometric technology, we are not just speeding up the process; we are creating a more secure and pleasant environment for every traveler passing through NAIA.โ
How to Use the Biometric Service
Travelers flying out of NAIA can participate in the biometric journey by following these simple steps:
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Registration: Upon arrival at the check-in kiosk or counter of a participating airline, passengers can opt to have their biometrics scanned.
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One-Time Verification: The system matches the passengerโs face with their passport and flight details.
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Breeze Through: For the rest of the airport journeyโincluding bag drop and boarding gatesโpassengers simply look into a camera to verify their identity, removing the need to repeatedly retrieve travel documents.
NNIC encourages passengers to check with their respective airlines to see if their flight is eligible for biometric processing. Travelers are still required to carry their physical passports and boarding passes as per international regulations and for verification at immigration.
