NAIA decongestion starts: Small planes banned

MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Wednesday ordered small airplanes and private jets off the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in an effort to decongest the gateway.

"A memorandum order ordering all fish run operations to quit, to stop operating in Manila," Captain John Andrews, CAAP deputy director, said in the order that takes effect immediately.

Andrews added that this will just be among the agency's first steps to reduce air traffic at the Manila airport and advised the smaller aircrafts to instead use Sangley Point in Cavite.

He also said he understands NAIA's need to keep up with the global developments in the airline industry.

"This order was transmitted by CAAP and we set up the Notice to Airmen effective today (July 31). Today, no fish run will be able to land or take off in Manila," Andrews added.

Foreign airlines have reportedly been denied slots in NAIA due to its congestion, and consequently caused two significant air deals with Oman Air and Jet Air to be withdrawn, according to a report in June.

The airport is also currently being criticized for disallowing passengers from taking the cheaper regular taxicabs by closing off an exit gate.

Related: NAIA Terminal 3 passengers 'blocked' from taking regular taxi