Investigation Launched on Mactan Cebu Airport Runway Closure
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has initiated an investigation into the recent runway closure at Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), which led to multiple flight cancellations on Saturday. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the need to understand why the runway’s asphalt peeled off, a critical issue that prompted the halt in operations.
Secretary Dizon noted that the asphalt was last repaired between 2018 and 2020, according to initial reports. “It should last for years, that’s why it should not be easily damaged. We will investigate that, and we will have to look into the last repair’s quality, the repair itself, and the quality of the materials used,” he explained in Filipino during an interview with Super Radyo DZBB.
Extent of Damage and Safety Remains Priority
When asked about the damage’s size, Dizon said, “It’s not that much but safety first when it comes to landing and taking off of airplanes. It should not be compromised.” The department’s early findings highlight safety as the top priority amid concerns about runway integrity.
Airport Operations Resume Swiftly After Disruption
The DOTr confirmed that MCIA resumed normal operations by 6 p.m. Saturday, utilizing the secondary runway while repairs were underway. Later, by 7:30 p.m., the primary runway was also back in service. MCIA issued an advisory reassuring travelers that all airport activities had returned to normal.
Flight cancellations affected several airlines. Cebu Pacific reported canceling at least 18 flights, while Philippine Airlines had to cancel 21 flights due to the temporary runway closure.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Runway Durability and Safety
The incident has raised questions about the durability of runway materials and the effectiveness of past repairs. The DOTr’s ongoing investigation will focus on assessing the quality of previous repairs and the materials used to prevent similar issues in the future.
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