The United States Transportation Security Administration has started inspecting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as part of its regular security assessments of airports which host airlines with flights to the US.
The inspection is in compliance with the safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, an airport official said
The inspection at the Naia will take place until Thursday and will cover procedures involving perimeter and terminal access control, facility security, screening, cargo operations, and aircraft security, among others.
The US transport agency conducted last week its inspection of airlines with flights to the US operating out of the Naia.
Participating carriers include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Cathay Pacific, Delta Airways, United Airlines, Eva Airways, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service.
Manila International Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado thanked the TSA for the continued partnership it has with the Miaa in ensuring passenger safety.
“As an authority, the Miaa is vested with powers to implement security measures and establish its own police force. Efforts are in place to monitor our own procedures. We appreciate the presence of the TSA as they keep us on our toes and encourage us to improve on our own systems,” he said.
The TSA conducted the same assessment in May 2015. Results of which show that security procedures implemented at the Naia are up to standard.
Honrado said his agency continues to enhance security measures for airport users and the facility itself based on recommendations by the TSA.
One of which is the continued deployment of security personnel along the perimeter fence of the airport to prevent unauthorized access from nearby communities.
Aside from installing a secondary perimeter fence, lighting fixtures have been positioned to keep the airside in check.
In 2012, the Authority donated a total of P100,004,438.28 for the relocation of 861 informal settler families situated near the airport’s perimeter areas.
The families were given new houses in Barangay La Huerta, Parañaque City.