Do we need four airports?
It’s clear that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) is not big enough, or advanced enough, to accommodate airline traffic in the future. As your Inquirer editorial (“Ending PH airport, logistics woes,” 10/26/22) noted, the government has ignored a growing problem. What should the Philippines do?
There have been suggestions to (1) redevelop Naia to develop to accommodate increased traffic; (2) develop Sangley Point International Airport in Cavite; (3) build a new airport in Bulacan, as being developed by San Miguel Corp.; (4) use the existing facilities at Clark airport in Pampanga.
There needs to be a centralized, long-term development plan for this. For instance, will we need four airports when one might suffice? Which one? Or do we need more? Should Naia continue to be developed, only to turn into a white elephant if the airlines get moved?
Someone, such as the President, should get involved and make a decision. This should include participation from the airlines, San Miguel, the Cavite government, Clark airport, and technical advisors. If a careful, final decision is made, investments could start to flow, mass transit systems planned, and government planning would not go to waste.
Jonathan Foe,
