MANILA — The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has endorsed a new security protocol at Ninoy Aquino International Airport that eliminates direct passport handling by security personnel, a move aimed at protecting travelers’ documents and reducing potential damage.
MIAA General Manager Eric Ines praised the New NAIA Infra Corp.’s (NNIC) directive, which instructs security staff to no longer physically touch passengers’ passports during terminal entry checks.
“This approach minimizes unnecessary contact and potential document mishandling,” Ines told reporters Wednesday.
Under the new policy, passengers will self-present identification at airport entrances, with comprehensive document verification shifting to airline check-in counters, Immigration officers, and boarding gate personnel.
The change comes in the wake of a viral social media incident involving an allegedly torn passport at Terminal 3, though NNIC emphasized no misconduct by security personnel was confirmed.
“We are committed to continuous improvement in passenger safety and document protection,” a NNIC spokesperson said.
The San Miguel Corp.-led consortium is collaborating with transportation and immigration authorities to refine airport security procedures.
Travelers are advised to carefully handle their travel documents and be prepared to self-present identification during airport screening processes.
