FOLLOWING a car crash at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) that resulted in two fatalities, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon conducted an inspection at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City to ensure compliance with international safety standards.
The inspection on Thursday, May 8, 2025, also followed a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to assess all airports across the country, according to Dizon.
Dizon told reporters that after the accident at NAIA on Sunday, May 4, the issue of bollard safety installations has come under scrutiny.
He said MCIA, through its private operator Aboitiz InfraCapital, must promptly submit a report on the bollards’ compliance with international safety standards.
Dizon also reviewed traffic management at MCIA’s Terminal 1 (domestic flights) and Terminal 2 (international flights).
He was pleased that vehicles at Terminal 2 are positioned to face away from the building, unlike at NAIA, where they face the terminal.
Dizon added that traffic at Terminal 1 moves in parallel lanes, helping prevent accidents like last Sunday’s.
The DOTr also consulted with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) about the outdated electronic gates at MCIA.
Dizon urged the BI to expedite the procurement of updated systems to improve efficiency, reduce queue lines, and enhance passenger flow.
While he is satisfied with the MCIA inspection, Dizon asked Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority General Manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr. to submit an engineering report to prevent untoward incidents.
“Obviously, Mactan is one of the best airports in the country, very well run. But even so, we still have to make sure we comply with international standards to avoid any incidents or to minimize any incidents from happening,” he said.
In a separate interview, Neri shared his thoughts on the incident at NAIA and assured that similar incidents would not occur at MCIA.
He explained that vehicles parked at Terminal 1 are aligned parallel, while cars and buses passing by Terminal 2 are oriented outward, away from the bollards.
“We are very happy that Secretary Dizon came over to visit us to check if our airport has complied with all the correct safety protocols in terms of the bollards. What happened in Manila was very unfortunate,” Neri said.
Neri said the DOTr chief, satisfied with the measures, suggested that NAIA consider adopting similar practices for improved safety.
Neri said they will bring in an expert to certify the strength and sturdiness of the bollards at MCIA.
The DOTr inspection is also part of the country’s preparations for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations 2026 summit, with MCIA playing a key role in the event.
Dizon is set to visit other international airports in the country, including those in Davao and Iloilo. / DPC