Transportation

Philippines airport adds self-check-in kiosks in $110M modernization

Photo: Tupungato - stock.adobe.com

August 28, 2026

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Self-check-in kiosks are among the most visible upgrades at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines nearly two years after New NAIA Infra Corp. assumed control of the Manila gateway, according to a Rappler report. The machines allow eligible passengers to print boarding passes and baggage tags, while biometric immigration e-gates, automated security screening and self-boarding lanes are intended to reduce lines and accelerate passenger processing.

The private operator has invested about $110 million in improvements since taking over in September 2024. Projects include baggage-handling upgrades, improved Wi-Fi, expanded terminal curbs, automated parking, new seating and baggage carts, renovated power and air-conditioning systems, additional shuttle buses and expanded dining and retail options. The airport served a record 52.02 million passengers in 2025 despite being designed for about 35 million annually.

New NAIA Infra Corp. has also remitted approximately $1.26 billion to the Philippine government, including an upfront payment of about $485 million, annual payments and the government's 82.16% share of airport revenue. Although the upgrades have improved parts of the passenger experience, the airport's broader transformation remains unfinished, with terminal reassignments still underway and a planned Terminal 5 yet to be built.