The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has launched an urgent safety review of all major airport terminals following a tragic incident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 last Sunday, where an SUV crashed into the passenger drop-off area, claiming two lives, including a child.
On Friday, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon conducted an early morning inspection of NAIA Terminal 1, emphasizing the necessity of immediate safety upgrades. Among the changes made is a new parallel parking or drop-off system at both NAIA Terminals 1 and 2, designed to enhance traffic flow and protect passengers.
“Napansin niyo, unang-una yung ating traffic flow, bago na—hindi na tayo nakatutok katulad nung dati. So I think that’s a major development,” Dizon remarked, acknowledging the need for action following the tragic incident. “Nakakalungkot nga na kailangan natin dumaan sa napakabigat na trahedya para baguhin natin ‘to.”
A key aspect of the review involves inspecting bollards or protective barriers intended to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas. Dizon highlighted the importance of these barriers meeting international safety standards.
“Kahapon, chineck ko ‘yung bollards sa Mactan, iinspekin ko din bollards sa Clark bukas. May international standards ‘yan, kailangan sumunod tayo. Pag hindi sumunod, kailangan palitan,” he emphasized.
In addition to government-led assessments, the DOTr has directed private operators of NAIA, Mactan-Cebu, and Clark airports to perform independent engineering audits of their safety installations. This move aims to ensure accountability and transparency across both public and private airport facilities.
The DOTr is also fast-tracking the replacement of any inadequate safety features, with Secretary Dizon assuring the public that the results of these investigations and safety audits will be disclosed soon.
“[Yung] pagpapalit, we are fast-tracking… ‘Pag private sector, mabilis so we can expect from the NNIC,” he noted, reinforcing the commitment to swift improvements.
The DOTr’s comprehensive safety review aims to prevent further tragedies and strengthen passenger protection at the country’s major airports.
