Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautist
INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) wants more airports that have the capacity to accommodate evening flights in a bid to spur further mobility, especially at a time when COVID-19 border restrictions have been lifted.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, in a recent event, said they were working on night-rating six more airports.
“This is to improve the operational capacity and efficiency of these airports,” he explained.
The country currently has 25 airports equipped with night flight landing facilities, including airfield lighting systems and air disaster management systems.
These include Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), Clark International Airport Authority, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Davao International Airport, Kalibo International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport and Zamboanga International Airport.
Meanwhile, Bautista shared they were also moving to privatize 10 regional airports. These include the facilities in Bohol-Panglao, Laguindingan, Bicol, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Bacolod, Kalibo, Busuanga and Siargao.
“The upgrade, expansion and operation of these airports will be turned over to private operators,” he explained.
“If we continue to push for an expansion of the air travel industry, existing airport infrastructure will not be enough. We need to anticipate the demand for air travel and expand our airports,” he added.
Currently, the DOTr and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are finalizing the terms of reference for the rehabilitation project of Naia. The documents are eyed to be released in the first half.
The Transportation department signed in February a transaction advisory service agreement with the ADB to facilitate the selection of potential private sector partners for the big-ticket infrastructure project.
Under the deal, the ADB advises DOTr on the modernization and capacity expansion of Naia, which was previously tagged as one of the most stressful airports in Asia for travelers. The agreement takes effect from the date of signing until 36 months after or when a partner has been chosen. INQ