Fewer flights as runway repair starts
MCIA Authority general manager Steve Dicdican, however, assured that airline companies servicing flights through the airport have been duly informed of the development. Philstar.com/File
CEBU, Philippines - The Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s operations today will be reduced by 20 flights as airport authorities start implementing the long-overdue repair of the runway.
MCIA Authority general manager Steve Dicdican, however, assured that airline companies servicing flights through the airport have been duly informed of the development.
The repair will run for six hours from 2:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. today.
“So far, all systems go na mi,” Dicdican told The FREEMAN yesterday on the sidelines of a deworming mission in Barangay Ibo in Lapu-Lapu City, which was part of the airport’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Dicdican said the closure of the runway will pave way for the repainting of the end of the shortened runway near the work area.
“We put new paint markings to indicate nga that is already the end of the active runway para di malibog ang mga piloto. If we do not repaint, they might think naa pa’y more runway,” he said.
“The whole runway will be closed for six hours kay di man pwede mopintal og active runway even if portion of it ra ang pintalan. Di sad pwede gamiton ang runway kung wa pa natarong og paint ang markings kay the pilots use those as guides,” he added.
The shortened runway, measuring about 2,600 meters, will be reopened after the six-hour period, while the 700 meters will remain closed for around 60 days or less for safety reasons. The airport has a 3,300-meter runway. However, only 400 meters (200 meters each lane) serve as the landing zone, which will be repaired for 60 days.
The repairs will cost around P60 million, including the asphalting and electrical works. (FREEMAN)
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