Manila: Over 2.5 million passengers are expected to use the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this holiday season, and authorities are preparing for the influx. Data requested by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) showed airport authorities are projecting 2,553,622 passengers across all NAIA terminals from Dec. 20, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026.

According to Philippines News Agency, the projected volume is slightly higher than the 2,432,021 passengers recorded year-over-year (YoY). The country's main gateway is also anticipating 13,995 inbound and outbound flights during this period, an increase from the 13,327 flights YoY.

In preparation for this surge, operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) will commence the phased rollout of 78 Immigration electronic gates (e-gates) this month to alleviate congestion. The system, powered by technology firm Amadeus, is designed to allow passengers to clear immigration in about 20 seconds.

Office for Transportation Security (OTS) Administrator Gilberto Cruz stated that inspections at airports have already been conducted, and security auditors are continuously deployed to ensure compliance with national and international standards. The workforce will be augmented by over 100 security screeners hired last October, contributing to the current 2,368 security screeners across all airports in the country.

Cruz also advised passengers to personally pack their bags and avoid accepting baggage from strangers. "If they are asked to bring someone else's bag, they need to check its content first," Cruz emphasized.

To further enhance passenger experience, the NNIC plans to launch an all-Filipino food hall and a new Dignitaries Lounge at Terminal 3. The food hall will feature 17 homegrown brands, showcasing regional flavors and local products from across the Philippines.

NNIC president Ramon Ang stated that the ongoing improvements "show how this partnership with the government is delivering improvements that the public can actually see and feel."