In previous articles (Keeping up; Keeping
Pace, and Airport Blues Parts 1 & 2) I had written about how we pale in
comparison with our original ASEAN partners. Business travelers and tourists
have voted Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as the "worst airport
in the world."
>>
Beyond Brushstrokes -- By Marivic Rufino: "Botong
Francisco renaissance"
>>
Beyond Brushstrokes -- By Marivic Rufino: "‘Summer
heat wave’"
>>
Beyond Brushstrokes -- By Marivic Rufino: "Sharks
don’t eat plastic"
>>
Beyond Brushstrokes -- By Marivic Rufino: "Crabby"
>>
Beyond Brushstrokes -- By Marivic Rufino: "The
happiness factor"
Our
airport infrastructure is definitely not at par with the terminals and runways
of Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. The younger, emerging ASEAN
countries have better infrastructure.
Once
upon a time -- some 50 years ago -- we had been considered modern, progressive,
and prosperous. We used to be the envy of our neighbors. Many scholars came to
study technology in agriculture and business management.
Now
they have surpassed us and excelled in their respective countries.
We have
been frozen in a time warp like Rip van Winkle. Things have slowed down,
regressed or remained static in the Third World.
Our
dilapidated and smelly NAIA terminal is in an advanced state of decay. Our sole
runway is bumpy. Travelers and balikbayans are shocked, dismayed and turned off
at the depressing condition of our old terminal facilities and by the chaos at
the arrivals area.
Only
the PAL terminal is presentable and very clean. However, passengers who arrive
and depart on other carriers do not see it. Terminal III has limited use.
What is
the point of trying to promote the country if we cannot even make a good
impression, a lasting impression?
Bangkok,
Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore and Hong Kong all have modernistic
international airport terminals with excellent infrastructure and superior
amenities.
Malaysia
and Indonesia have moved their airport terminals thrice to new locations
farther away from capitals. Singapore has moved twice and its current airport
is one of the most efficient in the world. These airports have limited access
highways that bring passengers to and from the city with ease.
Siem
Reap’s (Angkor Wat) new airport in Cambodia (built with funds from the Asian
Development Bank) is sleek, modern and functional. It has spotless and fragrant
restrooms. The well-paved runway is a big contrast to our runway.
Although
Narita (Japan) has only one super runway, it has the capacity and high tech
equipment to remove and clear any aircraft that may disrupt the smooth flow of
traffic.
Here’s
a personal anecdote.
Not too
long ago, this writer was on PR105 (from San Francisco) and the plane was
diverted to Mactan airport. Why? Because NAIA has only one runway and there was
a plane that was blocking the runway.. (At that time, the airport did not have
the proper equipment to tow the plane quickly.)
In this
case, an Air Force C130 made an emergency landing and was stuck on the runway
with flat tires.
The
pilot announced that the flight had to remain on hold due to the blocked
runway. After 30 minutes, the pilot decided to refuel in Mactan and await
clearance to land in Manila.
Weary,
bleary-eyed passengers deplaned and waited at the air- conditioned lounge. The
Mactan international terminal is in much better shape (with clean restrooms)
than NAIA.
After
several hours of fidgeting, calling and worrying, the jet-lagged group boarded
the plane. We had the pleasure of having the same cheerful crew (that had been
working for more than 25 hours). The pilots, purser and flight attendants were
terribly exhausted but they remained cool, friendly and very reassuring. They
made the ordeal bearable.
After
18 hours, the "direct and non-stop 12-hour" flight (that refueled in
Honolulu and Mactan) finally landed -- smoothly -- at 1115 hours. Alas, the
bumpy runway reminded us that we had returned to harsh reality of home.
Welcome
to the Philippines!
Post
Script: An Appeal to the DoTC
1. We
should build a new world-class airport with two runways and an exclusive
highway for convenient access. It should be located many kilometers north of
congested Metro Manila. (Clark Field?) There should be interconnecting
international and domestic terminals with all the facilities, infrastructure, a
highly trained polite security staff and the best maintenance crew and
equipment.
2. We
should have friendly, efficient and honest staff to handle disabled passengers.
Our service leaves much to be desired compared to other countries. In Spain and
France, for example, wheelchair passengers are treated with respect and care
without tips! In our NAIA, we have very good and attentive staff but there are
a few bad eggs. Some predatory mercenary staff (contracted by the airlines) ask
for big tips from the helpless passengers. This behavior should not be allowed.
It reflects poorly on management.
3. Our
terminals (NAIA) and the other terminals in the country should have decent,
clean and fragrant lavatories with running water, basic amenities and efficient
attendants. Cleanliness is a definite must. The state of the restrooms reveals
a lot about our attitude towards visitors, travelers and tourists.
Marivic
Rufino
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