Caap to close Pagadian City airport for month-long repair work

Mayor Samuel Co explains the reason for the impending temporary closure of Pagadian City’s airport on Saturday, March 16, 2024. It was the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) that announced the temporary closure of the airport from April 15 to May 15, 2024. Airport manager Edwin Luching told Mayor Co that the temporary closure aims to give way to repairs on the runway as its pavement had suffered from deterioration “caused by weather conditions and aircraft traffic loads.” Photo by Leah Agonoy

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) has announced the temporary closure of the airport here from April 15 to May 15 this year.

In a March 8 letter, airport manager Edwin Luching told City Mayor Samuel Co that the temporary closure aims to give way to repairs on the runway as its pavement had suffered from deterioration “caused by weather conditions and aircraft traffic loads.”

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“The repair is critical to preserve (the) runway pavement’s optimal function and ensure safety during flight operations,” Luching said.

Caap, however, gave assurance that if repairs are done soonest, they can reopen the facility in less than a month so flights could resume.

READ: Minimal flight disruptions seen as Caap upgrades equipment

Co said passengers booked within the closure dates will be transferred to either Dipolog or Ozamiz airports.

Co added that smaller private planes and choppers could still make use of the airport as these aircrafts do not need the whole runway stretch.