CAAP to 'fish run' operators: address your concerns to the DoTC
2013-Aug-03 14:57
2025-Jan-26 04:56
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said the decision to consider the request of "fish run" operators to land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport again is now for the Dept. of Transportation and Communications to decide.
CAAP deputy director general John Andrews said their agency only implemented a directive issued by DoTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to ease out air traffic at the NAIA.
"Remember I issued out the order in compliance with the directive by the DoTC secretary. So, they (fish run operators) approached me again for consideration and I said it is now out of my hands. The DoTC higher authority implemented a directive that they should have," Andrews said.
"They can course their complaint to the DoTC secretary," he added.
Last Wednesday, the DoTC issued an instruction to the CAAP and the Manila International Airport Authority to impose restrictions on General Aviation traffic at the NAIA for the safety and efficiency of airport operations.
DoTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said part of the measure includes the transfer of General Aviation traffic from NAIA to Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite.
He said the Philippine Air Force, which has control over MDAAB, will be in charge of transferring the facilities to Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City.
While the transfer of facilities is in progress, Abaya said measures are to be done by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to ensure aviation safety.
These include the restriction of corporate jet and air taxi landings and take-offs at NAIA to two cycle per hour from 11 pm to 11 am daily; allow aircraft not exceeding 5,682 kgs to land only during 12 midnight to 2:59 am, and 8 am to sunset and only when runway 13 is in use; and prohibit food and fish runs from taking off and landing at NAIA.
Andrews, on the other hand, clarified that fish run operators were informed of the plan during the time of former DoTC Sec. Manuel Roxas II.
"Basically, they have supposed to have been there in Sangley Point for over a year already. More than a year na yan during the time of Secretary Mar Roxas pa ito. Meron na silang notice to go there already and they are asking for concessions na binibigay naman sa kanila. (But) no definite plan was made by them to establish themselves there. So, tinapos na namin once and for all. Nag-isyu na ng order ang DoTC," Andrews said.
He said that the only time small aircraft can land at NAIA is for refueling and other purposes not related to their products.
"Initially, they are supposed to be landing in Manila only for refueling or hangaring here but they continue doing the fish run that's why the order was executed," he added. (PNA)