‘Make domestic airports night-capable’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) should prioritize making the country’s airports capable of receiving and launching flights at night to speed up air travel, Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said yesterday.

 Ejercito, vice chairman of the Senate committee on public services that probed the near-paralysis of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last month, said making other airports night-rated can greatly ease congestion and lessen flight delays at NAIA and other gateways in the country.

“In the medium-term, we should also seriously consider having a dual airport and make efficient use of Clark International Airport,” he added.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade revealed that final government approval for two new airports close to Metro Manila might happen before the end of the year.