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MANILA, Philippines – The government is considering Sangley Point, a former US Naval base in Cavite, and Laguna de Bay, as possible sites for a new international airport that will replace the old and congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The two locations were cited by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is conducting a “site selection study” for the new airport, according to Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.
“Our initial feedback is that they are looking at Sangley because it is within the 20-minute parameter and is accessible. One could also be… Laguna de Bay,” Abaya stressed.
The government prepared an airport roadmap until 2040 that calls for the creation of a new international gateway that should be “within 20 to 30 minutes of Metro Manila” and operational by 2027. (READ: Another in’tl airport near Metro Manila)
Abaya noted in both Sangley Point and Laguna de Bay, massive reclamation will be done because the new airport requires at least 2,000 hectares.
He said “it is very difficult to look for a place that big” 20 minutes away from Metro Manila.
Abaya said the project could be undertaken through the Public-Private Partnership program. He said unsolicited proposals “won’t happen.”
JICA projected airline passengers from the capital and nearby provinces will hit over 106 million by 2040 and a new airport is needed to accommodate the volume.
Abaya said the government is considering closing NAIA by 2030, with the new airport serving 78% of the passenger volume and the Clark International Airport in Pampanga taking care of the rest.
He said another option is to allow NAIA to coexist with Clark and the new airport.
Before anything is firmed up however, the government is working on expanding the capacities of Clark and NAIA.
Some 6,000 square meters were added to the existing passenger terminal building in Clark, and a new 45,000-sqm low-cost carrier terminal will be built there.
In NAIA, terminals 1 and 3 are being rehabilitated. (READ: Gov’t on NAIA rehab: Be patient) – Rappler.com
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