The Department of Transportation has ordered the Iloilo International Airport to scrap its initial security screening to create more space for travelers.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued the directive after an inspection on September 27, stressing that the first round of X-ray checks is no longer necessary. “Kailangan nang tanggalin ito kasi redundant na ‘yung proseso,” Lopez said in a statement on Sunday, noting that the change would help reduce congestion at check-in counters.
Airport management has been given 15 days to submit an action plan detailing how they will implement the new policy. Lopez clarified that a final security check before boarding gates will remain in place.
Alongside this measure, Lopez instructed officials to speed up plans for expanding the passenger terminal building, adopt automated check-in with facial recognition, and upgrade the runway to handle larger aircraft.
Earlier in June, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced a ₱190 million improvement project to boost the airport’s passenger capacity—84% higher for domestic flights and 13% higher for international operations.
Iloilo is one of 10 airports the government aims to place under public-private partnership by 2028, along with facilities in Davao, Siargao, Laoag, Busuanga, Bicol, Tacloban, Bacolod-Silay, General Santos, and Puerto Princesa.
In Manila, Ninoy Aquino International Airport is also preparing to roll out facial recognition technology before Christmas, aimed at cutting queues and making the process easier for overseas Filipino workers. Other upgrades include relocating taxis and hired vehicles underground to reduce road congestion around terminals.
