Airport officials laid down measures to ensure safety and convenience of passengers nationwide in anticipation of the heavy volume of passengers this Christmas.
A slot management system is being enforced to make sure airlines depart as scheduled. The system has helped improve the on-time performance of airlines, effectively reducing incidents of flight delays. At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the OTP of airlines improved from 47 percent to 71 percent since the new administration took over.
A two-minute waiting time is also being implemented for people fetching passengers at the airport. Manila International Airport Authority general manager Ed Monreal appealed to the public to refrain from turning arrival gates into a parking area.
To improve the flow of traffic to and from the Naia, Monreal said MIAA is now coordinating with Villamor Airbase to allow passengers to pass through and decongest traffic especially along Andrews Avenue. Security issues are currently being discussed.
MIAA is also hopeful that the stretch of Naia Expressway covering Terminal 3 will open in December.
Jim Sydiongco, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also reported that Legazpi, Dumaguete, Roxas, and Caticlan airports were now night-rated. Night landing capabilities will enable airports to accommodate flights after sunset.
In terms of safety and security of passengers, the MIAA will deploy an additional 97 security personnel at Naia. The PNP is also ready to augment the airport’s security force should it become necessary.