NAIA terminal reassignment on hold

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the planned terminal reassignment of airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which had been requested earlier by Congress, will not push through on August 31, citing “unforeseen operational constraints.”

DOTr said the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) formalized in a letter addressed to the chairman of the Lower House Committee on Transportation its request to defer implementation of the terminal rationalization program.

MIAA last April announced its plan to change the terminal assignments of airlines as part of the airport’s rationalization and in response to Congress’ call for improved air traffic at the Philippines’ main hub.

“Therefore, no transfer of airlines will occur until further notice,” DOTr said in a statement.

“While talks with some airline operators have started and with some signifying their intent to transfer, options that have been discussed are exploratory in nature,” it added.

The transport department said discussions gave rise to unforeseen operational constraints that require a longer time to resolve.

“As soon a final decision on this has been made, we will blast an official statement via our official communications platforms,” MIAA general manager Ed Monreal said.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, meanwhile, assured the public that announcements will be made once all issues have been resolved and plans finalized.

“Huwag tayong magmadali [Let’s not rush it]. We will release an advisory as soon as all possible options have been carefully evaluated. We have to make sure that before we make changes, pulido at na-explore ang lahat ng posibleng mangyari at ang mga pwede nating hakbang [We have to make sure that before we make changes, everything has been straightened out, and all possible situations and the steps we can take explored] so as not to sacrifice the comfort, convenience, and safety of the public,” Tugade said.

DOTr also clarified that the transfer of certain Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights to NAIA Terminal 1 is not part of the planned terminal rationalization program, but is necessary to prepare NAIA Terminal 2 for its rehabilitation that starts before yearend. Terminal 2 is being used exclusively by PAL for its domestic and international flights.