Jan 052015
 

Airport authorities have been strengthening  security measures in preparation for the papal pisit, GMA News reported via its “24 Oras” early evening newscast on Monday. 

Public works crews started to remove the Circulo del Mundo rotunda in front of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Parañaque City in preparation for the Papal Visit on January 15-19. 

The structure which cost P50 million was originally planned to be taken down by the Department of Public Works and Highway in preparation for the construction of a skyway in NAIA. 

No-fly zone  

Aviation authorities have other security measures for the papal visit.

NAIA runways will also be closed when the aircraft with Pope Francis on board lands and takes off at NAIA.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has already issued a Notice to Airmen about the implementation of no-fly zone effective on January 15 and 19 over NAIA during the Pope’s arrival and departure and on January 17 over Daniel Z. Romualdez (Tacloban) Airport from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

No-fly zones will also be in effect over other areas such as Rizal Park, University of Sto. Tomas, and Tacloban where Pope Francis is set to hold activities. 

“Expect that they will all follow these limitations, these flight restrictions para sa kapayapaan ng loob nating lahat kasi it involves safety and security,” CAAP’s Deputy Director General for Operations Ret. Gen. Bgen. Rodante Joya explained. 

Airline companies and operators that will violate the no-fly zone implementation may be fined P300,000-500,000. CAAP may also suspend or even cancel their air operators certificate. 

Drop and go 

With these restrictions, hundreds of flights are expected to be adjusted. 

The Manila International Airport Authority has already reminded passengers going to NAIA Terminal 3 with travel schedule coinciding with the no-fly zone implementation, to go to the airport at least three hours early.
 
The MIAA recommended cancellation or rebooking of flights that fall on the papal visit dates to avoid hassles.

The MIAA will implement the “drop and go” policy to all their passengers. 

“We will not allow non-passengers to get into the terminal so ang ire-recommendation namin is “drop and go” sa mga maghahatid,” MIAA General Manager Angel Honrado said. 

MIAA will also close major roads leading to and from the NAIA at certain times during the papal visit. Trisha Macas/ELR, GMA News

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