Airport and other transport issues

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has once again made headlines --this time for a tragic and deeply unsettling reason. In a horrific accident at Terminal 1, a Sports Utility Vehicle rammed into the departure area, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a five-year-old child. Several others sustained injuries. CCTV footage showed the SUV crashing through the barriers and onto the pedestrian walkway. Authorities are currently investigating whether the incident was due to driver negligence, vehicle malfunction, or an intentional act. Regardless of the cause, this heartbreaking event sends a chilling message to the public: NAIA may not be as safe as it should be.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time the airport has been the subject of controversy or concern. For years, NAIA has battled a litany of issues --from long queues and inadequate seating to persistent concerns about cleanliness. Rats and insects have been spotted in some terminals, and the airport has often ranked poorly in global passenger surveys. It was once dubbed one of the worst airports in the world for sleeping, with passengers enduring long layovers on hard metal benches under uncomfortable conditions. My own layover experience at NAIA was marked by a disturbing heat, noisy surroundings, and an overall lack of comfort --hardly a welcome for travelers. In fact, I would prefer traveling direct from Cebu.

In contrast, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport continues to shine as a model for Philippine aviation. The facility consistently garners praise and international awards for its design, cleanliness, and overall efficiency. Its success is the result of a strong public-private partnership, where every stakeholder --from immigration officers to janitorial staff-- plays a role in elevating the airport’s standards. Most recently, MCIA was recognized for its outstanding airport staff, demonstrating that safety, service, and comfort can co-exist when the right systems and leadership are in place.

The proposal to privatize NAIA may be an effort to replicate Cebu’s model, and it’s a step worth exploring. Effective airport management demands expertise, strategic planning, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Traffic management around the airport, for example, remains chaotic and poorly enforced. Designated drop-off points are either insufficient or ignored entirely, leading to bottlenecks and confusion. These seemingly minor issues can become major hazards if not addressed through proper planning and enforcement.

Accidents can happen anywhere --but when they occur in places like airports, where safety should be paramount, they raise red flags about systemic failures. Transport hubs must be designed not just for convenience, but for resilience and security. Public input should be valued, and authorities must be responsive to evolving passenger needs. Privatization alone won’t solve all of NAIA’s problems, but it could be a catalyst for long-overdue reform.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected by the Terminal 1 tragedy. Let their loss be a wake-up call --a reminder that safety in public infrastructure is not optional. We deserve airports that are not only functional, but also safe, humane, and worthy of the name they carry. It is, after all, the face of our country.