Proposals, proposals

Several proposals to fix, rehabilitate, or build new airports and runways have hit the news lately. Some of the biggest conglomerates or "captains of industry" have offered plans to repair and rehabilitate the NAIA, or transform Sangley Point into NAIA's third runway. Some groups even want to build an airport in Bulacan. There is no question that the NAIA needs an upgrade due to the sheer number of passengers that pass through it on a daily basis. The three terminals as well as the smaller ones are literally overflowing with people, as well as planes. This is the reason for the delays in flight schedules. Runway congestion affects all flights, whether incoming or outgoing. A domino effect happens when the congestion becomes severe. House Speaker Alvarez, compete with expletives, has demanded that Cebu Pacific leave the NAIA Terminal 3. I do not know if he has the power to do that as a lawmaker. I do know he can cuss all he wants, which is in fashion nowadays.

The three NAIA terminals can no longer comfortably serve passengers. You'll find the place packed like a sardine can. If you're unlucky enough you will probably be beside someone who does smell like a sardine. You will have to endure lines at the check-in counter, immigration, and the pre-departure area. Lines that will actually make your blood boil, especially at immigration. I cannot understand why the terminal would build several counters for immigration officers without officers. I count four to five at any one time. As if the lines weren't enough, our airports are generally not comfortable. The air conditioning is weak, especially during summer. The walkalators are often not working, aside from being too few. I have heard foreigners fume at water dispensers that have no water. And the restrooms? Sometimes they're clean, sometimes they're not. I have always believed that the measure of an airport is its restrooms. NAIA may have removed itself as one of the world's worst airports, but it still has a long way to go.

There is another option, not far from Metro Manila. The Clark International Airport in Pampanga is already operational. The only thing needed perhaps is a more comfortable terminal. More importantly, a fast, efficient means of transport to and from Clark would be nice. Previous administrations have failed to make an efficient railway system to Clark possible for a myriad of reasons. If only it existed, the travel to and from Clark would not be an issue. The Hong Kong International Airport is also far from the city -on another island actually- but this is not an issue for tourists due to the fast and efficient trains and buses that serve like clockwork.

All these proposals can only be good for the country. The important thing is for one of them to come to fruition. We have lagged behind our Asian neighbors for so long. If we truly want to make a good first impression, we should start with a makeover of the place our visitors first step in and later exit from our country.