The Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town will remain closed until June 10 despite the province’s shift to general community quarantine on May 16, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has announced.
The airport’s security committee, airline companies, the Department of Health, and the Bureau of Quarantine, among others, discussed on Thursday, May 14, the preparations for the “new normal”, said Art Pareño, CAAP-Iloilo terminal supervisor.
“The notice to airmen is for stopping (operations) until June 10. Technically, to all pilots, aircraft, airlines, for the airport to be closed unless lifted earlier by the national government,” he said.
Pareño said the CAAP makes use of the closure to prepare the airport for the forthcoming resumption.
Social distancing markers, disinfection and decontamination areas, hand washing spaces, and foot baths, among others, are installed at the airport terminals and parking areas.
The airport also adjusted the staffing of its workforce.
Employees are conditioned for the “new normal,” he said.
Since the enhanced community quarantine was imposed in the province last March 20, he said the airport only served outgoing sweeper flights, and those that carry essential cargoes and medical needs.
He said CAAP will regulate the commercial flights to prevent crowding at the terminal.
Before the pandemic, the airport served an average of 50 inbound and outbound domestic and international flights daily, Pareño said. Gail Momblan/PNA
