Miaa to shut down Terminal 3’s centralized cooling system for 12 hours

Expect warmer temperatures inside Terminal 3 from July 16 to 17, 2024, from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., as MIAA installs six new cooling towers —Inquirer file photo/Richard A. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines — The centralized cooling system of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Authority’s (Naia) Terminal 3 will be temporarily closed down to make way for six new cooling towers to be installed in the area from July 16 to 17.

In a statement on Sunday, the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) said the new cooling towers will be installed “to optimize piping infrastructure, thereby upgrading and significantly improving overall system efficiency of the air conditioning system in Terminal 3.”

READ: ‘Sweaty’ at Naia: Cooling system under repair

“The final step for the installation of these six new cooling towers is scheduled for July 16 to 17, 2024, from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., when the new cooling tower piping will be connected to the main piping lines of the chiller plant. To accomplish this, the centralized cooling system will be temporarily shut down to facilitate the works,” Miaa explained.

Based on the advisory, the following areas will be affected:

• Check-in counters
• Immigration Departure
• Final security checks for domestic and international flights
• Baggage carousels for international and domestic arrivals
• The arrival lobby

“During this period, only the fans and blowers of the air conditioning units will operate to enable air circulation in various areas. The felt temperature may not also reach optimal comfort levels at said time,” it added.

Miaa said backup stand-alone air conditioning units will be installed in various terminal areas to avoid further discomfort.

“Approximately 27,000 arriving and departing passengers on 117 flights may experience discomfort due to reduced air circulation during the 12-hour interruption,” it said.

But Miaa assured the public that its medical team “will be on high alert and ready to respond to any medical emergency,” and “once the new cooling towers are fully integrated into the chilled water system, it is expected that normal and more efficient operation of the air conditioning units will be gradually restored.”

In line with this, Miaa General Manager Eric Jose Ines sought the public’s cooperation.

“Please bear with us. The upgrades are intended to bolster the terminal’s capability to maintain ideal temperatures efficiently, thereby ensuring a more pleasant experience for all airport users,” he said.