NAIA Terminal 3 Eyes ‘Best Airport’ Transformation Ahead of Undas

NNIC Chairman Ramon Ang.

NAIA Terminal 3 Eyes ‘Best Airport’ Transformation Ahead of Undas

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | October 27, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – In a bold pledge to overhaul its reputation, NAIA Terminal 3 is undergoing a dramatic technological transformation spearheaded by New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) Chairman Ramon Ang.

With an estimated 1.3 million passengers expected to traverse the terminal during the Undas 2025 (All Saints’ Day) travel period, the upgrades promise a significantly enhanced experience, particularly for returning overseas Filipino workers.

Ang, during a recent inspection with Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, articulated his ambitious vision to elevate NAIA “from the worst airport [to] the best airport.”

This sweeping overhaul, funded entirely by NNIC investment at no cost to the government, aims to drastically improve efficiency and passenger flow.

Key upgrades include

• Facial Recognition Kiosks: Integrating seamlessly with airline counters, these kiosks will allow pre-registered departing passengers to breeze through check-in and immigration without physical documents, bolstering both security and efficiency.

• Automated Baggage Drop Systems: Streamlining the check-in process, reducing wait times and congestion.

• Advanced Immigration E-Gates: Expediting immigration procedures for faster processing times.

• Expanded Dining Options: A new mezzanine food hall, set to open by December, will house 22 diverse dining outlets.

• Dedicated Chartered Flight Processing Center: Planned for early next year, this center will feature common-use self-service kiosks, further optimizing passenger flow.

NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez said the improvements have already been realized.

“The passenger experience has improved significantly. Our on-time performance is now exceeding 85%, surpassing the global standard.”

Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eric Ines emphasized the financial benefit of the project, stating the improvements are being implemented “at no cost to the government.”

The Department of Transportation has assured the public that all necessary measures are in place to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient airport operations throughout the Undas holiday.

With the new features slated for full operation by the end of the year or early next year, NAIA Terminal 3 is poised to deliver a vastly improved travel experience and potentially achieve Ang’s ambitious vision of becoming a world-class airport.