NAIA plans for APEC in place to keep flight disruptions low

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Photo courtesy of apec2015.phPhoto courtesy of apec2015.ph
Photo courtesy of apec2015.ph

MANILA, Sept 23 — Preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit are being handled carefully to ensure the efficient operation of commercial flights in November.

This is the assurance that Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Jose Angel Honrado gave as he met with the Executive Committee of the airport on Monday.

Heads of state are expected to arrive Manila at least two days ahead of the Economic Leaders’ Meeting on November 18 and 19. Likewise, they are expected to leave the country by November 20.

As per protocol, periods of runway closure will be in place as the aircraft of the heads of state arrive and depart the NAIA.

The Airport Authority will be in close coordination with the APEC National Organizing Council (NOC), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and the airlines as to the exact schedule that state officials will be keeping.

The MIAA has yet to receive the schedules of the heads of state from the APEC NOC.

Passengers will be informed of any changes in their flights by their airline.

Commercial flight disruptions will be kept to a minimum. To ensure that commercial flights will be able to keep its schedules, restrictions will be in place for cargo and general aviation flights the entire week of the engagement in November.

Scheduled runway closures for maintenance services during the early hours of the morning will also be lifted until the heads of state leave Manila.

The Civil Aeronautics Board notes that airlines will not be held liable for flights that will be delayed, diverted, or canceled brought about by events and procedures related to APEC in November.

General Manager Honrado says that, while management is occupied with APEC preparations, the Airport Authority also considers important the smooth operations of commercial flights.

“Preparing for APEC also means strategically planning for the flights of the general public. We want to make sure that majority of our passengers will be able to fly without much delay,” Honrado says.

He adds that it will also be good for the public to plan for their trips ahead of APEC events in November.

Meanwhile, preparations at the NAIA for November are already in place.

Inside the terminals, APEC lanes, information desks, and signage have been set-up. The enhancement of the lounges according to a themed design is also ongoing.

Security measures have also been crafted for the heads of state. Among others, security and traffic escorts will be assigned to them as soon as they land in Manila. (NAIA-MIAA)

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