Manila: Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez conducted an inspection of Terminal 3 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to assess its readiness for the anticipated surge in passengers during Undas, or All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. This inspection aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for those heading to the provinces.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez emphasized the airport’s preparedness, noting improvements designed to enhance passenger convenience. He announced that check-in and bag drop processes at the airport would soon become self-service, with implementation expected in the following weeks. Additionally, he highlighted the opening of ten restaurants within the airport’s food terminal, further enhancing the amenities available to travelers.
Lopez also provided assurances that the disruptions caused by the New Year airspace shutdown in 2023 would not reoccur. He credited this to the installation of new equipment and a redundant power supply for the Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). During his visit to CAAP, Lopez observed that all necessary redundancies and uninterruptible power supply units were in place, ensuring operational readiness.
Accompanying Lopez on the inspection were San Miguel Corp. chair and CEO Ramon Ang, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) vice president Cecille Ang, and NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez. They were joined by other officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), including Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Jose Ines, CAAP Director General Raul Del Rosario, and Deputy Director General Danjun Lucas. The group reviewed various facilities, such as the departure and check-in areas, self-service kiosks, self-service bag drop counters, government offices within the airport, the Collins Passenger Reconciliation System, the new food hall, and the general aviation lounge.