Start the ball rolling
The Xiamen Airlines Boeing 737 has already been removed from the runway, but passengers are still facing all sorts of delays and cancellations. Although the runway has been cleared for operations, the delays of its closure still inconvenience many passengers. Thousands of passengers were stranded for a few days due to the accident, so when word of the runway being operational got out, passengers crammed into the terminal and check-in counters. Terminal 1 looked like a disturbed anthill with passengers scurrying around looking for the best line to stand in.
Many opted not to leave the terminal, to be able to get in line once authorities gave airlines the green light. Many slept at the airport not known for its comfortable amenities. Hardest hit were the OFWs who needed to get back to work in their respective countries. Many feared losing their jobs or even facing jail time for not coming back on time. The government vowed to inform countries and to vouch for the OFWs. Many airlines were no longer able to provide food and temporary bookings, so the government stepped in and provided food.
The Senate now wants to investigate the accident at NAIA. Many want to know why it took several days for the runway to be cleared of the damaged aircraft. According to officials, the heavy rain hampered the removal since the large telescopic crane would sink into the wet ground, and therefore could not lift the heavy plane. The black boxes of the plane have already been retrieved, so the investigation is underway. Xiamen Airlines may also be required to pay damages estimated at around P15 million. Officials of the airline have apologized for the incident and delays caused.
But it is clear that the two runways at NAIA are no longer sufficient to serve the increased number of travelers. In fact, NAIA may only be good for another 10 to 20 years, according to an airport official. The airport may not be able to cope with the growing number of travelers every year. NAIA may be renovated or improved, but it is just too old. Two runways just are not enough, with no available space for a parallel runway. After what happened with Xiamen Airlines, equipment and personnel must be ready and able to address such a situation.
But the answer as to where to develop or build a new airport remains elusive. Sangley airfield may be near NAIA, but it is short as it is designed for military aircraft. Lengthening the runway would entail reclaiming land from the sea, aside for the infrastructure needed to support a civilian airport. An airport in Bulacan that may be operational in six years is being proposed to the government, as it has a hefty price tag of about $15 billion. Clark International Airport is always on the table, with improvement underway. But the distance to Metro Manila has always been an issue. But after NAIA experienced a runway closure, Clark may actually be a viable option. The proposals are already in place. Authorities just need to start the ball rolling.
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