The general manager of Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Eric Ines, announced on Monday plans to remove chairs from the arrival area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (Naia) Terminal 3, effective next month, as a measure to deter loitering.
Ines stated, “We have observed individuals who are not picking up or dropping off passengers just sitting there. They linger around and many of them are unknown to us without any valid reason. They engage in various forms of solicitation and mischief.” These remarks were made during an interview with radio dwPM.
He emphasized the decision is to combat unwanted activities, especially during busy periods, mentioning, “That’s why I am ordering the removal of chairs in the arrival area of Terminal 3, effective next week, after Holy Week.”
Additionally, Ines mentioned plans to reduce seating in the departure area of Terminal 3, urging people to refrain from prolonged loitering. “We will also reduce (the chairs). There will still be seats in the departure area. But let’s limit the long farewells, especially welcoming parties. Sometimes, only one person arrives, but almost five or six are there to welcome.”
This move comes after reports in late February regarding bed bugs infesting chairs in both Terminal 3 and Terminal 2. Following this, rattan chairs in Terminal 2 were removed, and MIAA initiated a review of contracts with pest control and housekeeping service providers.