Airport chief to personnel: Don’t ask passengers for gifts

Rappler.com

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Airport chief to personnel: Don’t ask passengers for gifts
MIAA chief Ed Monreal warns airport personnel who solicit gifts from passengers, especially Filipinos coming home for the holidays

MANILA, Philippines – Airport personnel who harass homecoming Filipinos with “requests” for gifts and other favors will be jobless by Christmas, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said on Friday, November 25.

Monreal gave the warning as he revealed measures being implemented at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers in anticipation of the surge in passenger traffic during the holiday season.

“I have no problem with personnel greeting passengers a Merry Christmas, as long as there is no intention to ask for gifts,” he said at a news briefing on Friday.

For those who will be found guilty of the act, Monreal warned: “Kapag may nanghingi ng regalo, hindi na ‘yan aabot ng Pasko (If anyone asks for a gift, they won’t last until Chritsmas). Definitely may (there will be) disciplinary action.”

In terms of security, an additional 97 security personnel will  be deployed to the  NAIA to prevent “salisi” incidents involving pickpockets who gather in areas with a lot of people to look victims.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to augment the airport’s security force if necessary.

Authorities have also imposed a two-minute waiting time for people fetching passengers at the airport to improve traffic flow to and from the aiport.

Monreal appealed to the public to refrain from turning arrival gates into a parking area.  “Kailangan po talaga magtulungan tayo dito (We really need your cooperation here),” he said.

MIAA is coordinating with Villamor Airbase officials to allow passengers to pass through the airbase to decongest traffic, especially along Andrews Avenue. Authorities are also hopeful that the stretch of the NAIA Expressway covering Terminal 3 will be open by December.

Other airport measures include the enforcement of a slot management system to make sure airlines depart as scheduled, to avoid flight delays.

The DOTr said the system has already helped improve the on-time performance (OTP) of airlines. It said the OTP of airlines at the NAIA improved from 47% to 71% since the new administration took over.

Additional measures are also being implemented around regional airports. Jim Sydiongco, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General, said the Legazpi, Dumaguete, Roxas, and Caticlan airports now have night landing capability, which gives airlines more flexibility and reduces the chances of passengers getting stranded at these airports.  – Rappler.com

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