AVIATION authorities and transportation officials have inspected the Bicol International Airport (BIA) to ensure the safety of the runway amid the recent activity of the Mayon Volcano.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) director general Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo and Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation Robert Lim inspected the airport to oversee continuous inspections to prevent ashfall and contaminants that could affect aircraft operations.
CAAP Area 5 manager Cynthia Tumanut confirmed that there were no flight cancellations due to Mayon related activities, adding that regular inspections were going on.
After the inspection, the three officials discussed the preparation for the turnover of BIA facilities to CAAP.
The CAAP has not indicated final acceptance of the airport because the Department of Transportation initiated a contract bid for the construction of a passenger terminal, runway extension, and other facilities at BIA.
The acceptance process will be expedited, enabling the CAAP to carry out repairs and other maintenance work at BIA.
Meanwhile, the CAAP plans to establish CAAP Flight Standards Inspectorate Centers in Visayas and Mindanao.
These facilities will handle the certification of air operators, approved training organizations, approved maintenance organizations, and licenses of airmen, eliminating the need for stakeholders to transact in the central office.