In a bid to enhance its aviation capabilities, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is slated to secure a substantial PHP2.8B in fresh funding. This funding injection will be directed towards the comprehensive improvement of the airport’s aviation infrastructure, with a significant portion, amounting to PHP1.2 billion, earmarked for the acquisition of a cutting-edge Communications, Navigation and Surveillance-Air Traffic Management (CNS-ATM) System. The announcement was made by Makati City Representative Luis Campos Jr. last Sunday, 13 August 2023.
Congressman Campos, who serves as the vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, revealed that the initial allocation of PHP1.2B for the acquisition of the new CNS-ATM system has been strategically included within the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) aviation infrastructure budget for the year 2024.
“We are counting on the new CNS-ATM system to optimize airspace and airport efficiency, reduce flight delays, and improve travel experience. Our hopes are high that the new system, once installed and fully functional, could potentially increase airport capacity to accommodate more flights in the years ahead. We are completely in favor of the increased government spending to build up our airports ahead of the projected full recovery of global air travel by 2025,” Congressman Campos said.
The urgency for this funding boost became evident following the disruptive breakdown of NAIA’s existing CNS-ATM system on New Year’s Day earlier this year. The absence of an independent backup for the system resulted in the disruption of over 300 international and domestic flights to and from Manila, leaving a considerable number of travelers stranded.
The 2024 National Expenditure Program outlines the DOTr’s commitment to investing a total of PHP6.1B towards the construction and enhancement of various airports and navigational facilities across the country. This allocation represents a notable doubling of resources compared to the previous year’s budget, which stood at PHP3.1B.
Apart from the critical upgrades planned for NAIA, Representative Campos shared that several other airports are also set to benefit from the forthcoming infrastructure development funding in 2024. Notable mentions include:
- Kalibo International Airport, which is set to receive PHP581M
- Laoag International Airport, slated for PHP500M
- Tacloban Airport, allocated PHP500M
- New Dumaguete Airport, with an earmarked amount of PHP500M
- Busuanga Airport, benefiting from PHP405M
- New Zamboanga International Airport, poised to receive PHP300M
- New Manila International Airport, with a proposed budget of PHP200M
- Bukidnon Airport, set to receive PHP120M
- New Bohol Airport, receiving a budget of PHP97M
As the country endeavors to modernize and expand its aviation infrastructure, these strategic investments are poised to contribute significantly to a more efficient and reliable air travel experience for both domestic and international travelers.