BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) came under criticism after the runway of the Iloilo International Airport was closed for about four hours yesterday, December 22, due to emergency repairs.
CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio confirmed that the runway was temporarily shut down from 7:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. to repair two potholes found on the centerline of the runway.
The emergency repairs, completed shortly after 11 a.m., allowed flight operations to return to normal. According to CAAP, the potholes were caused by bad weather and heavy rainfall.
Likewise, Apolonio said that a notice to airmen (NOTAM) was issued a day prior to the repair to inform airline companies and passengers.
Currently, flight operations are back to normal, and passengers can travel without concerns.
Sunday’s incident sparked frustration from local officials and passengers, highlighting the need for a long-term solution to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
The incident drew criticism from Mayor Jerry Treñas, who expressed frustration over the temporary closure of the Iloilo International Airport.
As Chairperson of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council, Treñas announced that he would summon Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officials overseeing the airport to a meeting to explain the morning-long closure.
“This situation caused significant dismay and inconvenience to passengers traveling to and from various destinations across the country. Ilonggos deserve better,” the mayor said.
Treñas emphasized the airport’s critical role as a gateway that affects not only Iloilo’s connectivity but also its local economy and reputation.
“Any disruption of this magnitude must be addressed promptly and transparently,” he said, adding that he would ensure accountability and push for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Treñas has been advocating for the swift approval of the proposed P21-billion rehabilitation project for the Iloilo International Airport.
The initiative, which will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Villar Group, aims to modernize the airport’s aging facilities, address operational challenges, and elevate it to meet global standards.
The project is expected to enhance passenger experience, improve connectivity, and bolster the airport’s role as a vital hub for regional and international travel.
The government’s airport operator has expressed support for accelerating efforts to enhance regional gateways, aligning with the Marcos administration’s initiative to collaborate with the private sector.
The CAAP announced its readiness to partner with private firms for the rehabilitation of provincial airports.
This includes relinquishing its role as the operator of airports that will be handed over to private entities through public-private partnerships (PPP).
CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo emphasized the agency’s commitment to initiatives aimed at increasing airport capacity to meet future demand.
He underscored that upgrading airports, particularly in rural areas, would boost tourism and attract investments./PN
