Past-midnight NAIA flights to be diverted to Clark

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga — All international flights due past midnight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will be diverted to the 2,500-hectare Clark International Airport (CIA) here for six months starting this November to pave the way for the asphalt overlaying of NAIA’s runway.

CIA general manager Bienvenido Manga said NAIA authorities have arranged for the diversion of all international flights to Clark from midnight to 7 a.m. daily from November to April next year.

He said the suspension of early morning operations at NAIA might even last longer if the runway’s asphalt overlaying is not finished on time.

"It will be an opportune time to show the capabilities and advantages of Clark as an international gateway with adequate navigational facilities," he said.

Elpidio Mendoza, NAIA assistant general manager for engineering, said the runway’s repair is long overdue.

"We are trying to look closely at the plan so as not to inconvenience the airlines and their passengers," he said, adding that the carriers can reschedule their departures and arrivals according to breaks in the repair.

NAIA authorities said foreign airlines have long called their attention to the deteriorating condition of the runway, which causes rough or bumpy landings or takeoffs.

Officials of some carriers, however, foresee a "logistical nightmare," citing additional costs in maintenance and catering, among other items, besides the inconvenience to passengers.

Particularly affected by the flight diversion is Philippine Airlines which has late night departures for the US mainland and early morning arrivals from San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Manga said the CIA is ready to absorb the international flights, adding that its passenger terminal building can serve 500 passengers per hour or 1.5 million passengers annually. — With Rey Arquiza