Airport GM denies driving on runway

CEBU, Philippines - Mactan Cebu International Airport General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete denied reports that he drove across an airport runway even when an airplane was fast approaching.

A source reportedly saw Villarete driving his Toyota Fortuner and crossing between a taxiing aircraft and an aircraft marshaler yesterday morning. There was no mention if the aircraft had just landed or if it was taking off.

Such an act constitutes a gross violation of ramp safety rules.

However, Villarete denied he was driving on the runway.

“No! I did not know it. Yeah I was driving but I am aware of all the safety regulations,” Villarete told The FREEMAN.

According to the Internet an airport ramp, otherwise known as apron, is an actual part of an airport that serves as the parking area for airplanes.

This is also where airplanes are unloaded, refueled and boarded.

The ramp is not accessible to everyone. Only those who have the proper licenses and authorization may enter and work in the apron. Every vehicle and person that moves in an airport ramp is considered “apron traffic”.

In the Mactan Cebu International Airport, the apron for both domestic and international operations have 12 wide-bodied aircraft. (FREEMAN)