BIZ BUZZ: Who doesn’t want a new and improved Naia?

The question arises as indeed, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, to borrow a line from Winston Churchill.

Every Filipino, at least those who have flown at least once through the country’s primary gateway and have seen firsthand how badly it needs to be improved, would vote with their hands and feet for a better airport.

Thus it is a bit of a headscratcher that advocacy group Kapisanan ng Nagtitiis na Mananakay would get a restraining order and eventually an injunction that will ultimately lead to the inefficient flow of cargo from warehouse to aircraft.

READ: SMC group all set to take over Naia on Sept 14

To recall, a project had been approved in December last year to open a new gate with ramp access for efficient cargo movement.

The group, however, opposed the project on grounds that it would only benefit certain cargo companies and may harm smaller operators and the general public.

The court had found merit in their plea.

The Manila International Airport Authority, for its part, had wanted a new gate because another in So now, Naia is left with two gates— meant for a better airport—closed down by the courts, at least for now.

The other question now is who will ultimately benefit from closing down the two gates and making cargo movement more complicated—and expensive—than it should be?

READ: DOTR: No stopping hikes in Naia fees, charges

Not the consortium led by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) that is set to take over Naia this weekend and get the process started to make the gateway one that long-suffering Filipinos deserve.

SMC offered the largest amount to the government as payment for the right to improve Naia. It needs revenues to make good on its bid and the injunctions will certainly get in the way.

Tycoon Ramon Ang is known, however, for going all in to meet his objectives. So perhaps feared bad actors at Naia have finally met their match? Abangan! —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

Manila-Paris flights and other long-haul destinations

The highly anticipated Manila-Paris flights will be launched by Air France in December, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso said during her presentation in Makati on Monday. This confirmed what Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista hinted at the past week.

But, apparently, more long-haul flights are expected to be introduced this last quarter.

READ: Direct Manila-Paris flights eyed before end of 2024

Buensuceso shared that United Airlines will launch its San Francisco-Narita-Cebu route by next month. Qantas Airways is also set to introduce Brisbane-Manila flights in October.

In addition, flag carrier Philippine Airlines will have its maiden Manila-Seattle flight on Oct. 2.

“We are very happy to welcome new and restored air routes that will continue to expand the country’s connectivity with our key strategic and opportunity tourist markets,” she said. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad INQ