ADDITIONAL security measures have been implemented at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to ensure safety and convenience of passengers this peak summer travel season.
Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal directed the Office of the Security and Emergency Services to intensify intelligence gathering and the canine unit visibility.
Monreal also ordered Col. Arnulfo Junio, assistant general manager for security, to double their foot and mobile patrol to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in terminal premises and adjacent road networks.
MIAA officials also urged passengers not to bring firearms and other prohibited items to avoid flight delays.
The MIAA is also in close coordination with officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Inter-Agency Council for Traffic chief Thomas Orbos whose men from Task Force Alamid were deployed to help airport authorities in managing traffic on the roads leading to four terminals of Naia.
Both the LTFRB and I-ACT are also closely monitoring operations of taxi and colorum vehicles at the airport amid reports of the presence of abusive drivers and operators.
“We want a happy ending for all summer getaways. One sorry experience with an abusive taxi driver can spoil everything,” Monreal stated.
Monreal thanked the I- ACT and the LTFRB for partnering with MIAA to ensure a safe and orderly transport operations in Naia.
“We hope this partnership can be sustained for the benefit of the riding public.”
Meanwhile, the Cebu Pacific Air urged all passengers on international flights to be at the airport at least three hours before departure to allow ample time for check-in and their pass through security and immigration checks in anticipation of the increase number of air travelers this summer vacation.
Charo Logarta Lagamon, CEB corporate communications director, said the airline check-in counters were open four hours before the scheduled time of departure for international flights.
She added all check-in counters would be closed 45 minutes before the scheduled time of flights, except those exiting Dubai (one hour) and Shanghai (50 minutes).”©
Monreal said they were expecting high volume of passengers travelling to several local destinations this summer vacation.
“I call (on) local carriers plying domestic routes to make sure that we do not create long lines in our check-in counters due to shortage of people or delayed opening of their counters,” Monreal said.
He added “Summer is a family matter. So there are parents travelling with their children. We should think of them.”
Monreal’s agency already completed the replacement of defective cooling coils and installed stand-alone air-condition units at Naia Terminal 3.
“With this development, passengers can be assured of a convenient and relaxing atmosphere while waiting for their flights this summer season,” said Monreal.
Over several months, the hot temperature at Terminal 3’s domestic gates was a consistent complaint received by MIAA. Installation of more stand-alone units at the Terminal’s international gates is in progress.
Monreal had ordered the four Terminal Managers to ensure that all vital facilities were working and avoiding downtime.
The airport chief issued several reminders to help passengers prepare for a hassle-free flight:
• Check your flight and date of departure. Make sure that you know which Terminal your flight is assigned to;
• Pack your own things and check your bags before going to the airport. Make sure that there are no prohibited items left inside your bag;
• Know airline regulations on baggage allowance and conditions for promo flights; the airline ticket is your contract with the airline. Report to them immediately any deficiency that you notice in your baggage;
• Obey airport rules and regulations. These are all intended for passenger safety.