After CAAP now MIAA security assessment

From April 16 to 24 an EASA team had been here to observe the safety guidelines and procedures in place at a number of local carriers. CAAP then grounded two airlines. From today until Friday a TSA team will check airline operations, including their respective ground handlers at NAIA. An assessment of NAIA operations will then take place from June 1 to June 3.

According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the TSA performs regular security assessments of airports, which host airlines with flights to the US, to check if it meets the safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In a statement, MIAA said the TSA would check airline operations, including their respective ground handlers.

It said those participating in the inspection are Cathay Pacific, Philippine Airlines, EVA Airways, United Airlines, UA Cargo, Federal Express, United Parcel Service Clark, Delta, Miascor, Sky Kitchen Philippines Incorporated, and PAL Cargo. MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado said that he is confident that NAIA would pass the inspection of the TSA, citing the management’s continuous efforts to ensure passenger security at the airport.

The TSA last inspected NAIA in November 2013. The results showed that the airport meets international standards. MIAA maintains a positive disposition that the airport will again pass the inspection.

[Editor’s comment:] Filipinos are absolute optimists. And when optimism fails, then they simply turn to fatalism. Let’s hope that there will be no brown-out during the inspection.

The assessment of NAIA operations will cover systems relative to terminal and ramp access control; security screening; quality control; the airport perimeter; the command center; and aircraft and cargo operations.

[Editor’s comment:] CAUTION! Security controls might be much tighter than usual from today until June 3. Be prepared to encounter long queuing lines at the airport’s entrance gates and at the security checks inside the airport. We strongly recommend to add one hour to your flight schedule. For international flights plan to be 4 hours before take-off at the airport. For domestic flights 2 hours should be enough. 

[GARD]