Sangley airport operational by November — DOTr

MANILA, Philippines — Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade assured Friday that the Sangley airport in Cavite will be operational by November.

Tugade issued the statement after he inspected the airport, particularly the runway, and reviewed the ongoing construction of the passenger building, and the drainage system and the hangars.

He also allayed concerns about flooding in the airport.

“Umulan nang malakas kagabi hanggang kaninang madaling araw, pero kita niyo naman, walang baha dito sa airport,” (It rained hard last night and until this morning, but you see, there’s no flood here at the airport),” Tugade said in a statement.

Malacañang earlier said that President Rodrigo Duterte wants the Sangley airport operational by November to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

This was after Duterte was reportedly “displeased” with the flight delays and cancellations at the Naia last Sunday.

READ: Duterte wants Sangley Airport operational by November

The transport chief said he is looking into a possible location for the landing berth of the ferry operations that will transport passengers to Sangley airport.

The Philippine Navy will determine the final location of the landing berth based on safety and security considerations, he noted.

Tugade said he is eyeing launching a point-to-point (P2P) bus service from the Naia to transport passengers.

24/7 construction

The 24/7 construction of the Sangley airport started on Thursday in a bid to meet the President’s deadline. Tugade earlier ordered the hiring of additional manpower, the extension of work hours, and the infusion of additional equipment.

READ: Tugade orders: Hire more workers to finish Sangley airport

Airlines have agreed to use Sangley airport for general aviation, freight turboprop operations, and commercial turboprop operations as soon as the infrastructure is finished. (Editor: Eden Estopace)

READ: Airlines agree to relocate flights to Sangley airport — DOTr