New NAIA terminal assignments underway

The incoming operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) plans to reorganize the terminal assignment of domestic and foreign carriers to improve runway efficiency and minimize flight delays.

- ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

The decongestion of the runway has been a top of mind concern for the San Miguel Corp.led New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. once it starts running the gateway next month. SMC president and CEO Ramon Ang said the consortium would reorganize the terminal assignment of airlines to properly schedule the movement of aircraft in NAIA.

Ang said he wants to avoid instances when a terminal is parking several wide-bodies all at once, as these aircraft tend to require larger space for boarding, taxiing and takeoff. He said the reshuffling of terminal assignments could hasten turnaround time in NAIA by 30 percent.