Biometric technology transforming passenger processing in Manila

Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport is transforming the border experience for passengers with biometric technology from Amadeus than can complete immigration processing within 20 seconds.

The addition of 78 new biometric gates is part of a planned $3 billion upgrade to the main gateway to the Philippines, currently operated by NNIC, a subsidiary of The San Miguel Group.

Combining biometric identity validation, document authentication and real-time monitoring, the complete solution ensures that only fully verified travellers proceed with their journey.

Security and efficiency is further enhanced by Amadeus’ Seamless Journey Platform, which orchestrates the entire process and connects to the necessary backend systems at the country’s border authority.

NNIC president, Ramon Ang, said: “Delivering a better airport starts with investing in technology that removes long-standing bottlenecks.

“Leveraging Amadeus’ state-of-the-art technology, we are proud to have put in place a biometric immigration process that clears travellers in seconds and raises both efficiency and security.”

While Jonathan Tong, senior vice president of APAC, airport and border authorities at Amadeus, noted: “This project is a great example of an airport operator, border authority and technology partner working closely together to reimagine a modern and secure immigration process built around the passenger.

“At Amadeus we are focused on transforming the experience of travel across the entire journey and we are very excited to be working with NNIC to support its bold vision for Manila’s hub airport.”

The new biometric immigration experience has been rolled out in a phased approach with the first batch of 24 biometric eGates already operational as of December 2025.

The remaining 54 eGates are being deployed in early 2026, as terminal refurbishment works are completed.