Tacloban airport reopened in time for pope’s visit

MANILA, Philippines - The Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City is now open to big commercial planes after it was partially closed in September for repairs.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) yesterday lifted a Notice to Airmen, allowing big aircraft to operate.

The airport’s runway can now accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus 320 or Boeing 737 jets.

CAAP Director General William Hotchkiss III said the airport operates from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

“The airport can now accommodate various types of aircraft including that of Pope Francis,” he said.

Only small planes had been allowed to land at the airport since September.

Earlier, CAAP announced that on Jan. 17, the day of Pope Francis’ arrival, the airport would be closed to air traffic from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and only the pope’s plane will be allowed to land.