NAIA operator to roll out e-gates, food halls at Terminal 3
(NNIC photo)
The private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is set to launch new e-gates, food halls, and a dignitaries’ lounge at Terminal 3 as part of its ongoing modernization work at the country’s main gateway.
In a statement on Monday, Dec. 15, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said it will start deploying a total of 78 biometric immigration e-gates at the terminal under a phased rollout.
The new e-gate system, powered by global travel technology firm Amadeus, is already operational at Terminals 1 and 3, where international flights operate.
Entirely funded by NNIC, the system enables passengers to complete immigration clearance in as quick as 20 seconds, easing congestion during busy hours.
Through biometric identity verification and document authentication, the e-gates streamline processing while upholding the security requirements of border authorities.
NNIC will also open two new food halls at Terminal 3, the airport’s largest terminal, to increase dining capacity and options for passengers.
The all-Filipino food hall dubbed “Tambayan” will feature 17 homegrown brands selling regional flavors and local products from across the country.
Spanning 6,200 square meters (sqm), up to 2,000 travelers can experience Filipino cuisine right at the airport.
Meanwhile, Mezzanine Food Hall offers a broader mix of 22 restaurants and cafés, accommodating around 600 guests.
While the two food halls are located before security clearance, NNIC is set to open another food hall at Terminal 3 soon, this time serving departing passengers.
The operator will also launch the Dignitaries Lounge at the same terminal, which aims to provide a welcoming setting for official engagements, especially for the arrival of notable guests such as foreign leaders.
The lounge will span a 200-sqm facility designed to serve up to 61 distinguished guests.
Similar passenger facilities and system improvements are also under development at the two other terminals to improve operational flow and consistency across the airport, according to NNIC.
NNIC President Ramon S. Ang said the ongoing modernization work at NAIA shows how the privatization of the airport’s operations is delivering improvements that “the public can actually see and feel.”
“As we enter the new year, we look forward to continuing this work and building on what is already in place,” said Ang.
Since taking over the operations and maintenance of NAIA in September last year, NNIC has set its sights on improving efficiency and the passenger experience.
To date, the company has remitted over ₱57 billion in revenues to the government.