The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and the Clark International Airport (CRK) are gearing up for expansion despite some issues that have yet to be addressed.
Julius Neri Jr., general manager of Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, in a forum on airports hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday, said with the planned second runway “still up for debate,” a codependent runway parallel to the existing runway is being built.
Neri said one of the runways will be used for takeoff the other for landing which will increase the airport’s efficiency.
Neri said the completion of this runway originally set for this year will be pushed back to next year due to the pandemic and typhoons that hit Cebu.
Neri described as tricky the second runway project, which was granted original proponent status.
The project, which will require reclamation, transfer of locators in an export zone and relocation of illegal settlers, is being studied by the National Economic and Development Authority, Neri said.
Bi Yong Chungunco, chief executive officer of Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. (Lipad), meanwhile seeks clarity on the role of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport once the Bulakan Airport becomes operational.
Lipad is the consortium which has the contract to operate and maintain CRK, which would be in competition with Bulakan airport due to their proximity.
Chungunco said CRK has its own catchment of passengers especially those coming from Central and Northern Luzon but she did not discount the possibility of spillovers.
Chunungco said a second runway for CRK is provided for in the airport’s masterplan.
Both MCIA and CRK have plans to expand their terminals if the volume of passengers warrants it..
