Duterte still studying NAIA revamp

MANILA, Philippines —  President Duterte is still studying whether to implement a revamp at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is beset with flight delays and other operational issues. ?

Flight delays and cancellations prompted Duterte to make a surprise inspection at NAIA Terminal 2 last Monday.

During the inspection, the President apologized to passengers and promised to come up with a solution to the disruptions within a month. ?

During a Cabinet meeting later that day, Duterte expressed dismay over the situation at NAIA and hinted at a possible revamp of airport management. ?

But in a chance interview in Lanao del Sur yesterday, Duterte said he is still assessing the problem at the airport. ?

“Wala (nothing yet). I am still trying to sort out the problem,” the President said when asked what changes he would implement at NAIA. 

Last Monday, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said NAIA was experiencing succession of flight arrivals due to a 2.5-hour suspension of ground movement for ramp personnel and flights.

Airport authorities have apologized for the inconvenience experienced by passengers and have vowed to work with airline firms so normal flight operations could resume as soon as possible. ?

To ease congestion at NAIA, the Duterte administration is eyeing the transfer of general aviation or domestic flights to Sangley Air Base in Cavite.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte wanted Sangley airport to accommodate domestic flights this year.?

“The President directed the operations in Sangley Point to start immediately,” Panelo said in a statement last Tuesday. ?

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade reported during last Monday’s meeting that he had initiated the testing of ferries that can operate from Mall of Asia to Sangley within 18 to 24 minutes. ?

Duterte has also expressed preference for a single entity, either military or civilian, to handle airport security.  ?

Sangley operations commence

Tugade, for his part, said local airlines have agreed to use Sangley Airport for general aviation and turboprop operations.

Tugade, along with MIAA officials, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and Civil Aeronautics Board, met yesterday with Michael Tan of Philippine Airlines, Lance Gokongwei of Cebu Pacific and Dexter Comendador of AirAsia.

There was an agreement to use Sangley Point for general aviation to ensure the immediate start of operations as instructed by the President, Tugade said.

“It was a productive and mutually beneficial meeting. Airlines expressed their willingness and commitment to support the government’s thrust to utilize Sangley Airport. This is a solid demonstration of their trust and confidence in the administration of President Duterte,” he said.

Airline companies will sign a pledge of commitment and support on June 24 as a manifestation of cooperation with the government’s move to address aviation concerns as a whole.

During the meeting, airlines agreed to use Sangley Airport for general aviation, freight turboprop operations and commercial turboprop operations as soon as the infrastructure is in place.  – With  Richmond Mercurio