Cebu airport runway maintenance slated

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu – The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) runway will be closed from 1:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. from September 1 to 21 to give way to overlay works.

In a press statement, GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) said it is coordinating with allied agencies such as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to ensure that the runway’s repair is completed on time.

GMCAC corporate communications and CSR junior manager Avigael Maningo said the airport management is asking for understanding from the traveling public for the inconvenience.

Maningo said officials and airport managers worked it out so that the runway will be closed only for five hours instead of eight to balance the impact on the domestic and international flights.

Early mornings are usually lean hours, although all terminals are open for pre-departure procedures, Maningo said.

The closures further highlighted the urgency of having a full parallel emergency runway which GMCAC proposed in 2017.

The parallel runway can be used whenever the main runway is shut down for maintenance or emergencies.

Maningo advised affected passengers to get in touch with their airlines before their travel dates to check adjustments in flight schedules. They may also call MCIA’s hotline at (032) 494-7000 for further assistance.