MANILA — At the parking facility of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Monday, April 22, 2024, a distressing incident unfolded as flames engulfed approximately 19 vehicles.

Miraculously, no injuries were reported. According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the conflagration erupted at the parking extension area.

MIAA Acting General Manager Eric Jose Ines recounted the rapid spread of the fire, initially reported as one vehicle ablaze, but upon the Fire Department’s arrival, numerous others had succumbed to the flames. Ines lamented the severe damage inflicted upon most of the vehicles.

Despite the chaos, normal airport operations persevered, and flights remained unaffected, Ines reassured. Fortunately, the swift response of emergency services contained the blaze, with fire out declared at 1:57 p.m., mere minutes after the alarm was raised at 1:28 p.m.

In investigating the incident, authorities are exploring various factors, including extreme heat and the possibility of a grassfire, compounded by windy conditions in the vicinity.

In clarifying responsibility, Ines emphasized that the MIAA bears no liability for the occurrence, as the parking area is under the jurisdiction of a private concessionaire.

Through this challenging ordeal, the safety and well-being of passengers and airport personnel remained the utmost priority, affirmed MIAA officials.

(el Amigo/MNM)

MANILA — In a significant development for Philippine aviation infrastructure, the SMC SAP and Co Consortium, which emerged as the frontrunner in the rehabilitation efforts for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) recently, on Friday (16 Feb 2024) thanked the Department of Transportation for carrying out a clear and thorough bidding procedure.

During the press briefing, the consortium expressed gratitude to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), led by Secretary Jaime Bautista, for conducting a transparent and exhaustive bidding process.

“We extend our appreciation to the DOTr and Secretary Bautista for their diligent efforts in overseeing a fair bidding process,” stated the consortium representatives.

Furthermore, the consortium commended the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for its unwavering commitment to the modernization of NAIA.

The consortium is made up of the San Miguel Corporation, RMN Asian Logistics, RLW Aviation, and Incheon International Airport Corp.

Highlighting the meticulous planning behind their proposal, the consortium emphasized its dedication to elevating NAIA to international standards while ensuring a favorable revenue-sharing arrangement for the government.

“Our proposal is designed not only to enhance NAIA’s global competitiveness but also to secure the best possible outcomes for both our stakeholders and the Filipino people,” affirmed the consortium.

Moreover, the SMC SAP and Co Consortium pledged collaborative efforts with the government and all relevant stakeholders throughout the rehabilitation process.

“We are fully committed to working closely with the government and leveraging all available resources to realize our shared vision of transforming NAIA into a world-class international hub,” concluded the consortium representatives.

The rehabilitation project holds significant promise for enhancing the country’s aviation sector and bolstering its position on the global stage.

(By el Amigo/MNM)