NAIA prohibits airport staff from touching passenger's passports

NAIA issues new guidelines following the viral incident of a "torn passport" from a certain passenger.

PH Passport with NAIA runway as background

A countermeasure to protect both sides

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has issued an advisory instructing security personnel to refrain from handling passengers’ passports during terminal entry and security checks. The move aims to minimize unnecessary contact and prevent potential damage to travel documents.

Under the new guidelines, travelers will now be asked to present their passports or valid IDs by holding them up for inspection instead of handing them over to security staff. The adjustment follows a recent incident where a passenger’s passport was reportedly torn at an airline check-in counter in NAIA Terminal 3. Airport authorities clarified that no mishandling by security personnel was involved in the case.

In a statement, NAIA emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and document security, stating that the policy change is a proactive measure in coordination with airlines, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

We are working closely with our airline partners, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to strengthen procedures and make sure incidents like this do not happen again, said NAIA

The airport management assured the public that efforts are ongoing to strengthen protocols and ensure smooth and secure travel processes for all passengers. Travelers are advised to follow the updated guidelines for a hassle-free experience at NAIA.

What do you guys think? Is this a fair move? 

Source: NAIA