THE Manila International Airport Authority has started preparing measures to ensure safety and convenience of passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in anticipation of the heavy volume of travelers this Christmas.
In a press conference, MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal said the airport management was implementing a slot management system to make sure airlines depart as scheduled.
He added the system had helped improve the on-time performance of airlines, effectively reducing incidents of flight delays.
Records show that OTP of airlines at the Naia improved from 47 percent to 71 percent since the new administration took over.”©
Coordination has been made with airlines regarding the efficient processing of their passengers especially at the check-in counters. Additional airline personnel will be deployed as needed to accommodate the increase in travelers.
To improve the flow of traffic to and from the airport, Monreal said they were coordinating with Villamor Air Base officials to allow passengers to pass through and decongest traffic especially along Andrews Avenue.
“Security issues are currently being discussed,” he said.”©
“©A two-minute waiting time is also being implemented for people fetching passengers at the airport.
Monreal appealed to the public to cooperate and refrain from turning arrival gates into a parking area. “©
“©”©The MIAA is also hoping the stretch of Naia Expressway covering Terminal 3 will open in December. “©”©Capt. Jim Sydiongco, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also reported that Legazpi, Butuan, Dumaguete, and Caticlan airports were now night-rated while Roxas airport to follow before Christmas.
Night landing capabilities will enable airports to accommodate flights after sunset.”©
“©In terms of safety and security of passengers, the MIAA will deploy an additional 97 security personnel at the Naia while the Philippine National Police will be assisting the airport’s security force should it become necessary. “©
“©”©Meanwhile, Monreal warned airport personnel from asking gifts and favors from passengers this Christmas.”©
“©“I have no problem with personnel greeting passengers a ‘Merry Christmas,’ as long as there is no intention to ask for gifts,” he said. “©
“©MIAA officials said passengers this year might increase by roughly 10 percent based on past data.
It also recommends that welcome and send-off parties be minimized to avoid congestion at the terminals.
Travelers are also reminded not to bring prohibited items to the airport and to stow all belongings in one’s carry-on baggage for faster processing at the screening checkpoints.
Passengers with any concern may approach airport staff at the terminal help desks.