Aquino urged to upgrade NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone urged President Aquino yesterday to prioritize the upgrading of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to ensure the safety of passengers and help attract investments.

Evardone noted the continuing delays for inbound and outbound flights at the airport due to malfunctioning navigational equipment.

He stressed the importance of the NAIA as the country’s main gateway to foreigners. Their experience in landing at the NAIA would have lasting impressions and could affect investment decisions.

“President Noy should act immediately to normalize the operation of NAIA airport. This is not only bad for business but very dangerous since pilots use only their sight in landing,” Evardone said.

“We can’t afford this situation to continue, putting the lives of thousands of people at risk. Last Saturday, all flights out of NAIA were delayed for hours because incoming planes were all diverted to Clark because of poor visibility. We can’t compromise the safety of the people,” he said.

At least 35 domestic and international flights that were supposed to land at the NAIA were diverted on Saturday due to poor visibility.

Airport officials said a thick haze had caused poor visibility around NAIA that forced the diversion of the flights to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Pampanga and to airports in Cebu and Iloilo.

Some foreign and domestic airlines were able to land at NAIA at noon using the Required Area Navigational System (RNAV) as landing aid.

“Those not able to land were either not equipped with the Flight Management System (FMS) that is compatible with the RNAV or they are not yet familiar with the new approach procedures,” said Willy Borja, chief of Air Traffic Services.