The Department of Transportation said over the weekend it expects flight movement and air passenger safety at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to significantly improve with the completion of the repair and upgrade of its taxiways.
The DOTr, along with the Manila International Airport Authority, completed the repair and upgrade of four taxiways, including Taxiway Charlie, as of January 2022. Taxiway Charlie is the main taxiway going to all the terminals of the airport.
It said that with the upgrading of the airside facility, aircraft movement from the runway to the tarmac would be faster and would allow the airport to accommodate more arrivals and departures per day.
Aircraft traffic on-ground affected the on-time performance of airlines in the previous years, as aircraft had to line up for take-offs and landings. Faster aircraft movement and improved ground efficiency were achieved with the immediate repair and upgrade works of the taxiways.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the completion of the project would ultimately make air travel more comfortable and convenient for passengers and airline stakeholders.
“With this, we can improve the take-off and landing. More importantly, we can increase the slots from 34 to 40, and we aim to reach 44 and 46,” he said.
MIAA general manager Ed Monreal said the agency worked hard to successfully complete the repair and upgrade of the runway, which was in a dismal state when they took over.
“The guidance from our dear Secretary is to do what is needed. Do what is right, in spite of the challenges during this pandemic,” Monreal said.