MCIAA waives fees for relief carrier aircrafts

CEBU, Philippines - The Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) has waived the airport fees for airlines coming from different parts of the country and abroad bringing relief goods for earthquake and typhoon victims in the Visayas.

MCIAA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete told reporters that the move is part of the contribution of the Department of Transportation and Communication in helping those affected by earthquakes and typhoon.

The MCIAA is collecting fees for landing, parking and other payments for arriving and departing aircraft at the airport.

Villarete, however said those airlines coming here with relief goods should not be required to pay said payments for reason that they came for relief effort.

The other day, Villarete said a Belgian Airlines arrived at Mactan airport with rescue personnel and equipment for rehabilitation to affected areas in Tacloban City and Leyte.

He further said at least three airline companies which include from Malaysia and Dubai informed his office that they will also be bringing relief goods here.

According to Villarete, his office is closely coordinating with the officials of the Philippine Air Force based in Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base in transporting the relief goods and personnel who help the rehabilitation to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, officials of the Bureau of Immigration at MCIAA announced that they are not also strict on visa requirements of those foreigners boarding the planes but they will get the names for purposes of recording and coordination.—(FREEMAN)