THE Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) has decided to shorten the airport runway closure from six to five hours when its rehabilitation starts next month.

In a meeting with airline representatives last Tuesday, MCIAA General Manager Steve Dicdican informed stakeholders that the scheduled closure from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. will be adjusted to 1:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 1 to 21.

Dicdican stressed the schedule is final.

“The discussion on that topic (runway closure) was very short...There was no objection from the airlines,” said Dicdican.

The MCIAA chief has yet to confirm the number of flights that will be affected as airline companies are still making adjustments.

In an interview, Charo Logarta Lagamon, Cebu Pacific corporate communications director, said CEB will announce soon its contingencies and flight adjustments with the closure of MCIA runway.

“We appeal for understanding and support from all passengers and stakeholders for this vital, necessary project,” said Lagamon.

Philippine Airlines, for its part, said it will “inform the public of the affected flights and options available to affected passengers.”

“A number of flights will have to be cancelled or re-timed,” said PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna

Dicdican pointed out the runway rehabilitation is long overdue. It was last rehabilitated in 2005 and was supposed to undergo repair every five years.

“Now it has become a safety issue. We need to implement the rehab as soon as possible,” he said. The MCIAA chief maintains the rehab will have minimal impact on tourism and trade activities as September is one of the leanest seasons. (KOC)