NAIA closed at ‘specific hours’ for Obama visit

MANILA, Philippines – All terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will be closed for operations at specific hours early next week for the arrival and departure of US President Barack Obama, who will begin his two-day Philippine visit on Monday, April 28.

Captain John Andrews, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) deputy director general, said CAAP has issued a notice-to-airmen (Notam), warning aircraft to expect delay because of Obama’s visit.

“All aircraft arriving or departing at the 4 NAIA terminals on the two dates will encounter delays due to special operations involved in the arrival and departure of the US president,” Andrews said.

As such, he said, passengers should expect delays at the congested NAIA on Monday and Tuesday.

The Notam,  issued April 22, said that the NAIA terminals will be closed from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm on Monday and Tuesday.

The advance notice was to alert airlines and other operators at the NAIA to adjust their schedules accordingly. 

Andrews said that scheduled commercial and cargo flights are allowed to operate but may expect delays at the arrival time of Obama and his delegation. 

All general aviation aircraft like business jets and those used for flight training and food runs are not allowed to fly within the prescribed period.

In accordance with the Notam, the CAAP will also impose a no-fly zone over Malacañang complex as part of the security protocol for a visiting head of state.

Obama is expected to arrive early afternoon on Monday, and will proceed to Malacañang for bilateral talks with Aquino, followed by a joint press conference. His first day will end with a Palace dinner hosted by Aquino in his honor.

On his second day, Obama has engagements with the US embassy in the Philippines, and is expected to visit the World War II American cemetery in Taguig.

Obama is on a 4-nation tour of Asia covering Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines. His visit is expected to give the Philippines a “clearer understanding” of its strategic partnership with the superpower. – Rappler.com