President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conducted a surprise inspection of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday, noting improvements in passenger flow and facilities—particularly for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)—and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to airport modernization and expansion.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, President Marcos said the inspection was part of efforts to personally assess proposals for new airport development aimed at reducing congestion and enhancing services for both domestic and international travelers.
“The reason for this inspection is to evaluate a new project for our airport here in Manila,” the President said. “The goal is to speed up the movement of travelers, especially our OFWs.”
He emphasized the value of first-hand observation in evaluating progress. “I said the best way is to go and look for myself, and I can say that many improvements have already been made,” he added.
The President highlighted enhancements in OFW-focused services and immigration procedures, which have long been criticized for inefficiency. He also cited positive passenger feedback, particularly during the Christmas season, and noted that additional plans are underway to increase NAIA’s capacity and boost the country’s tourism and economic recovery.
Meanwhile, New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) President Ramon Ang told the media on Tuesday, June 3, that passengers can expect a new facial recognition feature to be implemented at the airport within the next six months. Ang said the project, funded through the public-private partnership (PPP) program, will not incur additional costs for passengers or the government.
