CLARK FREEPORT—At least 200 of the flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) that will be canceled to give way for the arrival and departure of world leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit should be transferred to Clark to avoid disrupting commercial flights, an economic advocacy group has suggested.
Renato Diaz, chair of the Center for Strategic Initiatives (CSI), said bus trips between Naia and the Clark International Airport (CRK) could be increased during the period of Nov. 16-20 to ferry passengers.
More flights could be affected should there be delays in the arrival of heads of state during the flight embargo, he pointed out.
Diaz urged the government to consider the plight of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have to return to their jobs on those dates. “If you cancel flights that were booked in advance, it’s going to be goodbye ‘trabaho’ (jobs) for our OFWs,” he said.
“Why are we [inconveniencing] passengers when there are alternatives like Clark?” he said.
Emigdio Tanjuatco III, president and chief executive officer of CRK, said the decision to transfer flights rested with the airlines companies.
But the CRK, he said, will be on standby in case flights are moved here.
“We’re ready,” he added.
The CRK, rebuilt by the government in 1992 from the airport left behind by the United States Air Force, has two long runways, upgraded equipment and companies providing maintenance, repair and overhaul, fuel and catering.
At least 20 big hotels are located in and around Clark.
Parking at Clark
Tanjuatco said several airlines will park their planes at Clark during the flight cancellations at Naia.
Philippine Airlines earlier announced that 115 domestic and 96 international flights will not be operating on Nov. 15-20.
Cebu Pacific Air announced the cancellation of at least 260 flights, 26 of them to and from international destinations.
Malacañang suspended work in government offices and state-owned and -controlled corporations in Metro Manila on Nov. 17-20 due to the activities related to the Philippine hosting of the Apec summit.
“However, government agencies that are directly involved in basic services, such as security and safety, health and emergency preparedness, and the conduct of various Apec meetings and related activities shall continue with their operations to ensure the success of the event,” it said.