NAIA tagged as ‘high-risk’ airport

President Benigno Aquino III inspects NAIA (Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — The Ninoy Aquino International Airport has been named as one of the high-risk airports in the Asia Pacific region.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in a paper entitled “Immediate and long-term priorities for Manila Airports,” that its member Airlines are concerned about the poor infrastructure and safety issues in NAIA.

NAIA was one of the top high-risk airports in the Asia Pacific because of air traffic management issues.

This was the reason for the issuance of an Operational Notice to all member airlines flying to the country via NAIA last May 26.

The notice “alerts airlines to the ongoing risk to aircraft operations at Manila arising from unaddressed deficiencies in airside ground movement aids,” according to IATA regional director for safety and flight operations Asia-Pacific Blair Cowles.

“IATA is gravely concerned with a number of operational issues including some that may compromise safety of airline operations,” IATA said.

The group also said that the government should prioritize projects that will address the problems in NAIA.

“Limited investment in NAIA will continue to result in the ongoing degradation of passenger experience at NAIA. This will have a detrimental impact on the airport’s ability to attract transfer traffic, and the airport’s reputation in the region,” it said.