CAAP still studying Puerto Princesa airport reopening

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is still studying whether to reopen the Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPIA).

The CAAP statement, made by its spokesperson, came after Mayor Lucilo Bayron expressed concern over a supposed directive by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to reopen regional hubs to help restart the tourism industry.

Eric Apolonio, CAAP spokesperson, in a phone interview on Monday (May 4), said Tugade’s statement was a mere directive that would have to be studied by the inter-agency task force (IATF) on COVID-19.

“Secretary Tugade directed, but that’s not an order that we should follow immediately,” said Apolonio.

“We still have to study it without violating any rule. If it is possible, then it is possible. If not, then there is nothing we can do,” Apolonio said.

Bayron, in a letter addressed to Tugade on Sunday (May 3), asked the transportation secretary to “seriously reconsider” reopening regional airports in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

The mayor cited lack of medical facilities, personnel and supplies in Puerto Princesa to handle a possible resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

Apolonio reiterated that Tugade’s directive would have to be concurred in by the IATF.

Apolonio said Bayron’s concern would be sent to the IATF.

The CAAP spokesperson also said procedures that would allow airport reopening under general community quarantine (GCQ) is for airports in GCQ areas to connect with those in other GCQ areas only.

Airport operations between an area under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and one under GCQ “is not allowed to curb the spread of the virus,” Apolonio said.

PPIA caters to domestic flight to and from Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Iloilo, all of which remained under ECQ.

Edited by TSB