TRANSPORTATION Sec. Vince Dizon has recommended the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) on the new runway at Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to make it fully operational in all weather conditions.
MCIA-Authority General Manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr. confirmed this to SunStar Cebu in a phone interview on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
The ILS is a ground-based precision radio navigation system used to guide aircraft safely to the runway during final approach and landing. It provides both lateral (horizontal) and vertical guidance, allowing pilots to align accurately with the runway centerline and descend at the correct angle.
ILS is especially critical during low visibility conditions such as fog, rain, or nighttime operations, enhancing safety by reducing reliance on visual cues.
Neri said that no further recommendations were made from Dizon and expressed satisfaction with the overall condition of the second runway and welcomed its current use.
“Recommendations on the runway were that we repaired everything in order. The incident would probably not happen again since we have two runways now operating,” said Neri.
While the inspection revealed no issues, Dizon suggested upgrading the new runway with an ILS to make it usable in all weather conditions, said Neri.
He added that it currently operates on visual landing.
This development came after Dizon’s visit to Cebu on July 23, where he personally inspected the primary runway of MCIA, which had been repaired following loosend asphalt damage reported by tower personnel on July 12.
Second runway
Speaking to the media, Dizon said that the runway damage was dangerous and should not have happened. He directed MCIAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to implement all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence of the runway incident.
Dizon emphasized that the President’s clear instruction to protect passengers leaves no room for recurring issues like runway peeling.
The repairs required a temporary closure of the main runway, leading to significant operational disruptions. A total of 89 flights were affected through delays, diversions, or cancellations.
In response, airport authorities opened the second runway ahead of its schedule.
The new runway saw the arrival of maiden flight 7C2177 from Incheon, South Korea, followed by the departure of flight 5J5108 to Kansai, Japan, on July 18.
Serving as a backup, the second runway will be used when the main runway is closed due to emergencies, maintenance, or other reasons, ensuring continuous airport operations. / DPC