EDITORIAL - Finally, a new terminal?

The litigation isn’t over, and there could be more congressional investigations. But for now the government looks set to finally open the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, after paying the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. P3 billion for its investment in constructing the facility.

No one is sure where the cash-strapped government will get that money. The government may also have to spend a few billions more to repair collapsing ceilings and make the terminal fully operational. But the latest developments may finally lead to the opening of a badly needed additional terminal in the country’s premier airport.

An international airport gives visitors the first and, sometimes, the only impression of a country. Our Asian neighbors realized this a long time ago and rushed to build spacious, modern and efficient airports, replacing old ones or expanding existing facilities. Some of the world’s best airports can now be found in Asia. By the end of the month Thailand will be in the running as it opens Suvarnabhumi airport, five times larger than the old one which will undergo renovation. Suvarnabhumi, which can handle 76 planes per hour and can accommodate five Airbus 380 double-deck super jumbo jets at any one time, boasts of the world’s largest air control tower.

In contrast, the NAIA in its present state hardly impresses. Crowded, with poor air conditioning and perennially lacking in toilet facilities, the country’s premier airport suffers from leaking ceilings and power outages during the typhoon season, when portions of the tarmac also get flooded.

The new Thai airport was also many years in the making and was not without its share of controversy. There are concerns on whether the airport is ready for its opening, but Thai officials believe they are ready to give their visitors a new world-class airport. We are just trying to open a new terminal. Surely that will be easier to do.