US Gov’t Working With Naia Operator to Upgrade Security Systems

MANILA, Philippines — A United States government agency is backing the ongoing makeover of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) by providing technical assistance to upgrade security screening systems at the country’s main gateway. The assistance, to be extended by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), is aimed at bringing Naia’s security screening systems in line with US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements and International Civil Aviation Organization standards. It is also intended to strengthen security for US-bound travel, with USTDA describing Naia as “a critical last-point-of-departure airport for US-bound flights.” READ: Naia sets new operating standards for airlines USTDA Deputy Director Thomas Hardy said the assistance would help upgrade aviation security and screening equipment at Naia, which has been operated by the Ramon Ang-led New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) since September 2024. “This project stops threats before they reach American shores, deepens cooperation with a vital ally, and exemplifies the partnerships that sustain a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Hardy said in a statement on Sept. 9. As part of the assistance, USTDA will help NNIC identify US suppliers of advanced security screening equipment suited to Naia’s requirements. The assistance will be extended under the US-Southeast Asia and Pacific Aviation Cooperation Program, a public-private partnership that promotes US industry and government engagement in key Indo-Pacific aviation markets. It forms part of Naia’s broader modernization under NNIC, which is targeting an annual capacity of 62 million passengers by 2028, up from the 52 million passengers handled in 2025. “The assistance will help us take a more detailed look at how security screening across the airport can be improved and standardized, while giving us the benefit of US expertise and experience,” said Ang, who serves as NNIC president. “We look forward to working closely with USTDA as we identify the systems and solutions that best fit Naia’s needs and growing passenger volumes,” he added. READ: Gov’t told to review Naia privatization Naia is not the first Philippine gateway to receive support from USTDA. In May, the US agency announced it would fund feasibility studies for the proposed Sangley Point International Airport in Cavite, whose development President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered fast-tracked. /das