DOTr to probe potholes on Mactan-Cebu runway

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has initiated an investigation into the appearance of potholes on the primary runway of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), a problem that caused several flight delays and led to the temporary suspension of operations on Saturday.

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the investigation aims to identify the cause of the asphalt deterioration. He noted that the last documented repair of the affected runway section occurred either in 2018 or 2020.

"We will investigate everything — from the quality of the last repair to the quality of the materials used," Dizon said in a radio interview yesterday.

The runway damage forced authorities to issue a notice to close Runway 04R/22L from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that repairs were completed ahead of schedule, and the runway became fully operational by 7:30 p.m.