DOTC rebids consultancy contract to optimize use of NAIA runway

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is rebidding a contract for a consultant to help map out a plan to reduce traffic in the runway and decongest the 32-year old Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Michael Arthur Sagcal, DOTC spokesperson, said the agency is rebidding the P91.4 million consultancy contract for the NAIA runway optimization project after a failed bidding late last year.

Sagcal said the DOTC’s Bids and Awards Committee ( BAC) declared a failed bidding after only one of the two potential bidders submitted a proposal last Nov. 22 for the project.

He added that the bid submitted by the lone proponent lacked one of the required eligibility documents.

Under the new Request for Expression of Interest, the DOTC said interested consultants could submit their eligibility documents on or before Jan. 21.

“The DOTC aims to improve the airside capacity of NAIA through the project. This includes increasing runway movements, improving slot schedules, adding infrastructure, and upgrading technology,” the agency said.

The agency, headed by Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, said there is an immediate need for the optimization program with the fast-paced increase in aircraft movements annually and the ongoing improvement of its facilities.

The NAIA Terminal 1 was built in 1981 with two intersecting runways and a design capacity of 4.5 million passengers per year. The gateway now has four passenger terminal buildings with a total design capacity of 30 million passengers per year.

In 2012, NAIA exceeded its design capacity for the four terminals as passengers reached 32 million due to the surge in tourist arrivals as well as the improvement in the country’s economy.

The agency said aircraft movements, both landings and take-offs, hit a high of 255,000 in 2011.

“Along with the rise in passenger and aircraft activity, the fact that the perpendicular runway remains as it was in 1981 has made NAIA a highly congested airport. The congestion in aircraft movements at NAIA has resulted in inefficiencies and inconveniences such as flight delays and cancellations,” the DOTC lamented.

This prompted aviation authorities to cap the number of daily aircraft movements at 40 as it decided to move general aviation flights to the Sangley airport in Cavite.

The DOTC is also undertaking rehabilitation efforts for NAIA 1 and completing works at the NAIA 3 to reach its full capacity as early as next year.