NINOY Aquino International Airport (NAIA) announced on Tuesday a new policy prohibiting security personnel from touching passengers’ passports during terminal entry. The decision follows reports of passport damage, prompting concerns and investigations.
The airport issued a statement clarifying that all security personnel are now instructed to avoid handling passports. Passengers will be asked to present their travel documents themselves for verification. This measure aims to better protect travel documents and minimize unnecessary physical contact.
The Department of Transportation and the Civil Aeronautics Board are currently investigating reports of airline refusals to board passengers due to passport damage.
One incident involved a passenger whose father was denied boarding by Cebu Pacific on April 15th due to a small tear in his passport, discovered at a Terminal 3 check-in counter. NAIA emphasized that no mishandling by their security personnel has been reported in connection with these damaged passports.
NAIA is collaborating with airlines, the Department of Transportation, and the Bureau of Immigration to enhance procedures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The new policy represents a significant change in airport security protocols, prioritizing passport protection and minimizing potential damage.
