MANILA – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Monday sought the understanding of the public given the recent flight delays, while noting that President Rodrigo Duterte was “generally satisfied” with the actions that have been taken to address such concerns.
“President Duterte appeared to be generally satisfied on the actions taken by PAL management to address the concerns of affected travelers,” the airline said in an emailed statement.
Early on Monday, Duterte made a surprise inspection at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), following reports of flight delays and cancellations.
The President was accompanied by Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Captain Jim Sydiongco, incoming Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, and Davao businessman Sammy Uy as he visited the NAIA Terminal 2.
In a separate statement, CAAP, MIAA, and the Department of Transportation noted the President’s unannounced visit was “an expression and manifestation of his deep concern for the welfare of the passengers.”
According to PAL, Duterte spoke with two of their airport officers who explained that several flights were delayed due to a lightning “red alert” issued by airport authorities.
The lightning alert prompted the suspension of all ground movement and operations from 6:40 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, including deplaning of passengers, the airline noted.
“Such red alerts in the midst of a thunderstorm with lightning strikes are mandatory for the safety of airport personnel and passengers,” said PAL.
Passengers of canceled flights were rebooked on the next available flights, while several elderly and PWD passengers were given hotel accommodations.
Meanwhile, passengers of arriving flights that were diverted to Clark International Airport and were provided with land transfers to Manila, PAL said.
After the President’s visit, Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade met with aviation and airport officials to create a roadmap for improving the airport in line with Duterte’s demand.
“The DOTr, MIAA, CAAP, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and Office for Transportation Security (OTS) remain committed in ensuring safe, secure and convenient gateways for Filipinos and guests throughout the country,” according to the DOTr. (GMA News)
