THE CITY government urged the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) XI to act swiftly and improve the facilities and services at Francisco Bangoy International Airport.
A statement posted on Apr. 16 by the City Government of Davao’s Facebook page reads that they have been receiving complaints from Davaoeños and visitors.
“The local government has constantly raised these concerns to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) XI, which is the agency mandated to manage the Davao International Airport, yet we see no significant improvement until today,” the statement said.
It also highlighted how the local government had continuously supported CAAP’s management by augmenting security personnel and turning over additional push carts to the airport for the benefit of passengers.
“While we acknowledge that CAAP is preparing for the transition of airport management to the Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA), it must not fall short in delivering its mandate to maintain our airports,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency XI on Apr. 17, CAAP-Davao Area manager Rex Obcena said the ongoing repairs of the DIA’s runway are targeted to be completed by the first week of May, instead of May 31.
“We are expediting the completion of the project. We ask for understanding from affected passengers because the runway needs to be repaired, and we cannot afford to risk damaging it, which could pose safety concerns,” Obcena added.
According to Obcena, the removal of a two-inch thick-damaged asphalt pavement, which is included in the project, is now 35.67% complete. He added only six out of 84 daily flights are affected by the runway closure.
