The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) defended the four-hour temporary closure of Iloilo International Airport on Sunday, December 22, explaining that the move was necessary to ensure passenger safety during critical runway repairs.
In a press release, CAAP described the closure as an essential step to carry out urgent runway repairs, prioritizing the highest safety standards for both passengers and airline operations.
Iloilo Airport Manager Manuela Luisa Palma said that the closure was crucial to address the damage and maintain the airport’s high safety standards. Our priority has always been to ensure the safety of every passenger and airline operation, preventing any accidents, she said.
She added that the emergency closure lasted nearly four hours, from 7:15 AM to 11:00 AM, due to the discovery of two potholes on the runway caused by asphalt chipping.
While the closure sparked outrage, particularly from Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas — who criticized the lack of prior notice — local and CAAP officials assured the public that the decision was made to prioritize the safety of the airport and its passengers.
Treñas, chairperson of the Regional Development Council’s Infrastructure Committee, met with Palma and CAAP officials on Monday, December 23, to address the issue. While he was initially frustrated by the lack of communication, Treñas recognized the necessity of the repairs and the urgent need for airport modernization.
Mayor Treñas’ spokesperson, Joy Fantilaga, emphasized that the deteriorating runway and other terminal issues make it clear that the PHP 190-million modernization project must move forward.
She added that the project, scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2025, will address these concerns and significantly improve the overall passenger experience.
Iloilo Airport Terminal Supervisor Arthur Parreño also said that the runway, which has been in operation since 2007, undergoes daily inspections and routine maintenance. However, the wear and tear over the years, particularly from the pressure exerted by aircraft during takeoffs and landings, led to unexpected damage.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.