14 airports to have night operations soon – DBM

Rappler.com

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The national government is investing close to P1 billion for a public-private partnership project that will enable 14 airports to accommodate flights at night

MANILA, Philippines – The national government is investing close to P1 billion for a public-private partnership project (PPP) that will enable 14 airports to accommodate flights at night.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P933.8 million for the PPP project. The funds will be part of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) lump-sum appropriation for PPP transport infrastructure projects under the 2012 budget.

The 14 airports that will soon have night landing operations are:

  • Tuguegarao
  • San Jose (Mindoro) 
  • Busuanga
  • Naga
  • Legazpi
  • Roxas
  • Tagbilaran
  • Dumaguete
  • Dipolog
  • Pagadian
  • Ozamis
  • Cotabato
  • Butuan
  • Surigao

“Because there’s greater tourist interest in our local destinations, our airports are busier than ever. We’re seeing a larger volume of human traffic and more flights weaving their way in and out of our runways. The night-rating of these 14 airports will enable them to accommodate additional flights in the evening, so that their operations are no longer limited to the daytime,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said in a statement.

Abad said the airports will be equipped with airfield lighting system, communications equipment, power supply system, air disaster management system, and other systems for managing air traffic services.

Airport quarantine

Meanwhile, the DBM has approved the creation of 85 new positions under the Bureau of Quarantine to enable better surveillance and improved control measures for infectious diseases and other health concerns.

The positions will be deployed to 6 international airports in the country, including:

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport (terminals 1, 2 and 3)
  • Cebu
  • Clark
  • Kalibo
  • Davao
  • Laoag

Abad said the 85 positions will complement existing bureau staff, in accordance to the new policy requiring the maintenance of multiple shifts to allow 24/7 operations in ports and airport terminals.

“Besides ensuring the improvement of our airport facilities, we also need to guarantee the safety and well-being of all passengers shuttling in and out of the country. With more quarantine personnel on the lookout for health hazards, our airports are better-equipped to provide protection not just to airline passengers, but also to Philippine residents who may be compromised by infectious diseases that could be brought in from other countries,” Abad said. – Rappler.com

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