(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the transfer of general aviation and domestic flight operations from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Sangley Point in Cavite.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte gave the order during Monday’s Cabinet meeting, after he visited NAIA following reports of flight cancellations and delays.
During the meeting, Panelo said the President also hinted at a revamp at NAIA, with airport security being handled by a single entity.
He said this could be either from the military or civilian force.
“The President directed the operations in Sangley Point to start immediately,” Panelo said.
According to Panelo, Transportation Secretary Art Tugade “reported that he had already initiated the testing of ferries that can operate from Mall of Asia [in Pasay City] to Sangley within 18-24 minutes.”
On Monday, the President made a surprise inspection at NAIA hours after reports passengers were held on planes for hours even after landing, and days after the Manila International Airport Authority apologized for the long lines and heat in the airport’s terminal 2.
Airport authorities had said this was due to the suspension of ramp operations due to inclement weather, and due to a rehabilitation of the terminal.
