‘PUBLIC SAFETY COMES FIRST’: Passenger Safety Over Bad Impression, says CAAP on Iloilo Airport shutdown

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) emphasized passenger safety in explaining the temporary closure of Iloilo Airport on Sunday, December 22.

In a press release on Monday, CAAP described the closure as a “necessary measure to facilitate critical runway repairs, ensuring the highest standards of safety for passengers and airline operations.”

Iloilo Airport Manager Manuela Luisa Palma and local CAAP officials met with Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas on Monday to address concerns over the sudden suspension of flight operations.

Treñas, chairperson of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Western Visayas, earlier criticized CAAP and airport officials for the lack of prior notice and vowed to summon them for explanations.

“We recognize that this temporary closure may inconvenience travelers and impact the local economy. However, the safety of our passengers, crew, and aircraft remains our top priority,” Palma stated in CAAP’s release.

EMERGENCY REPAIR

Iloilo Airport Terminal Supervisor Arthur Parreño explained that the runway undergoes daily inspections and routine repairs. The emergency repair on Sunday followed the discovery of two potholes caused by asphalt chipping.

He attributed the damage to wear and tear, noting that the airport began operations in 2007.

“Similar to our roads made of asphalt, over time wear and tear will cause deterioration. The weight and force exerted by aircraft during landings and takeoffs can chip the aging 18-year-old asphalt,” Parreño said in a phone interview.

“Every day before the first flight, we inspect the runway, followed by scheduled repairs. However, Sunday’s repair was an emergency. We had to address it immediately to prevent further issues, which unfortunately caused delays,” he added.

The mayor’s spokesperson, Joy Fantilaga, said Treñas understood Palma and Parreño’s explanation and acknowledged the necessity of modernization efforts for the airport.

“The mayor said the runway’s deterioration, along with issues like the broken escalator in the terminal, underscores the need for the PHP 190-million modernization of Iloilo Airport,” Fantilaga said.

“He reiterated that the modernization project would proceed in the first quarter of 2025. Ensuring Ilonggos’ and tourists’ safety is his top priority,” she added.

A Notice to Airmen was issued at 7:15 a.m. on Sunday, suspending flight operations for emergency repairs. The notice was lifted at 11 a.m. the same day, allowing flights to resume.