Authorities start preparing NAIA for Christmas balikbayans

As the start of Christmas season draws near, airport authorities are sprucing up the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for the arrival of tourists and balikbayans for the holidays, even as they maintain tight security as the first priority. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Jose Angel Honrado said they expect the arrival of tourists and balikbayans to start peaking as early as November. “Our second priority is to make the airport a very memorable experience for traveling tourists and balikbayans, especially with the coming Christmas season. We expect balikbayan arrivals to peak starting November," Honrado said in an interview on dzRH radio. He said the airport has so far tightened up against potential smugglers, as shown by the interception of some 14 kilos of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride last Wednesday. Customs authorities at the NAIA held a Malaysian national for questioning after finding the drugs in his luggage. This was due to closer coordination among representatives of law enforcement agencies detailed to the NAIA, Honrado said. Among the agencies with personnel detailed at NAIA are the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs and National Bureau of Investigation, and Philippine National Police, he said. On the other hand, Honrado said he expects NAIA to be better prepared to handle flights after its instrument landing system (ILS) was calibrated. The NAIA had to divert several flights earlier this year due to problems after some of its navigational equipment conked out. “We have to make sure the airport is something not to be forgotten," he said. — LBG, GMANews.TV