CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) has prepared a contingency plan during the shutdown of the Tagaytay surveillance radar on March 6 to 11.
In a meeting with members of the Airline Operators Council-Manila yesterday, Alexander Cauguiran, CIAC president and chief executive officer, said the Clark airport would absorb flights to be diverted from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“We are more than willing to help ease the discomfort of passengers to be affected by the diversion,” Cauguiran said.
He said Clark airport has adequate aircraft parking slots, hotel accommodation, transportation as well as emergency and technical services.
Hilarion Ritche Nacpil, CIAC terminal operations manager, said Clark could accommodate at least 33 planes at daytime and 26 at night.
The shutdown of the Tagaytay surveillance radar will pave the way for the installation of a new technology that will ensure safer and more efficient air traffic.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said more than 700 flights would be affected by the radar shutdown. – Ding Cervantes, Ric Sapnu, Eva Visperas