It’s a good thing that Clark International Airport is back in business and has restored full operations since Wednesday afternoon (April 24, 2019).
But the management of Clark International Airport Corporation which runs the airport must conduct an investigation on why its ceiling collapsed during the strong earthquake last April 22 despite the fact that the expanded Terminal was only built five years ago.
If my memory serves me right, the expanded terminal was opened in December 2014.
CIAC President Jaime Melo during a press briefing assured that they will look into the matter and already ordered the CIAC legal team to check the contractor that constructed the expanded terminal. Melo said they will continue to ensure the soundness of the terminal for the safety of the passengers. Congratulations to President Melo including the employees of CIAC for the job well done during the crisis. Good job also to Transportation Secretary Art Tugade and Bases Conversion President Vince Dizon who were instrumental for the recovery of Clark airport and their continued support during the crisis.
In less than 48 hours, Clark airport was able to resume operations on Wednesday afternoon and now on its way for a full operations. The airlines also played a crucial role that served the passengers whose flights were cancelled due to the quake.
The existing Terminal of Clark airport has the capacity of 4.2 million annually and already breached 1.1 million passengers for the month of March this year. By the year 2022, Clark airport will have a new Passenger Terminal that can accommodate 8 million passengers annually and eventually attract more airlines that will introduce new international and domestic routes.
Kudos Clark Airport!