Airport authority vows few delays during Apec

The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) on Monday pledged to reduce flight changes and delays during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in November.

The international event is expected to affect operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) for one week in November—from the arrival of participating heads of state until their departure.

At Monday’s meeting with the airport executive committee, Miaa General Manager Jose Angel Honrado said the preparations for the meeting of leaders from Apec member-states included keeping commercial flight operations running smoothly.

The Miaa would be working closely with the Apec national organizing council, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the different airline companies, he said.

Top priority

Honrado said that ensuring efficient commercial flight operations at the Naia, while making sure security measures were in place for the Apec summit, was a top priority.

“Preparing for Apec also means strategically planning for the flights of the general public. We want to make sure that majority of our passengers will be able to fly without much delay,” the Miaa general manager said.

He said the airport authority would strive to minimize commercial flight delays or cancellations primarily by restricting cargo and general aviation or chartered flights beginning Nov. 16, two days before the summit on Nov. 18 and 19. Miaa expects the heads of state to depart from Manila on Nov. 20.

Apart from the regulation of cargo and general aviation flights, all scheduled runway closures for maintenance will be suspended during the period, Honrado said.

Temporary runway closure

As part of protocol, there will be periods of temporary runway closure when the aircraft of the heads of state arrive and depart from the Naia.

While passengers will be informed by their airlines of changes in their flight schedules, Honrado advised flyers to plan their trips in November so they would not be affected by preparations for the summit at the Naia.

The Miaa head said the Civil Aeronautics Board has ruled that airlines will not be held liable for flights that are delayed, diverted or canceled in November due to Apec-related events and procedures.

Honrado said other preparations for the Apec summit were in place well ahead of November—the establishment of dedicated road lanes, information desks and signs; the enhancement of dignitary and VIP lounges; and the setup of security measures.