The Manila International Airport Authority has completed the repair of potholes found at the taxiway of Ninoy Aquino International Airport following heavy rains brought by monsoon rains and Tropical Depression “Henry.”
Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Transportation undersecretary for Aviation and Airport, said the damaged portion was discovered at the Charlie 4 taxiway of the Naia. He explained that as early as last week, authorities had been attempting to conduct the repairs, but were delayed due to bad weather.
“[MIAA General Manager] Ed Monreal and I had been planning since last week, but we needed good weather to do it,” he said.
“As soon as Secretary [Arthur] Tugade learned of this, he texted me and asked for the repair schedule and the immediate timeline. ‘Let’s not compromise safety’ that’s the instruction to me,” added Tamayo.
Monreal, meanwhile, said the repair of three out of the six potholes have been completed last Monday.
“Immediate repair and swift action so as not to compromise the safety of the riding public. That’s why as soon as we got the chance, we got to work. Based on the inspection, no potholes where found on the runways,” he said
The airport chief assured no flights were affected nor disrupted in the course of the repair work.
In July 2017, airport authorities also ordered the closure of Naia main runway to give way for the emergency repair work of its damaged portion and ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers.
The closure of Naia 06/24 main international runway last year resulted in the delay of 12 international and three domestic flights while the arrival of eight other international flights to Manila were diverted to Clark International Airport in Pampanga.
Two small potholes of 30 cms in diameter were discovered by MIAA operations and engineering personnel during their joint routine inspection.
The runway was built seven years ago and was last repaired between 2011 and 2013.