WORK on the Mactan airport's runway in September will involve a total rehabilitation of the runway, which is why it will require its closure for eight hours a day for two weeks, an official of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) said.
Engineer Eduardo Ginete, MCIAA's civil works division head, said they repaired a portion of the runway last March but a complete rehabilitation is needed and long overdue.
The project was supposed to be done in 2012 yet but because they had to focus on the construction of the Terminal 2, it had to wait until this year.
The GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) welcomed the runway rehabilitation works, which has a project cost of P240 million.
The runway will be closed for eight hours, from 12 midnight to 8 a.m., for two weeks in September.
The repair works include asphalt rejuvenation, which will be handled by four contractors.
GMCAC President Louie Ferrer said the runway repairs are essential works and are precautionary in nature, and are designed to ensure the safety of airlines, passengers and other airport stakeholders.
In a statement, GMCAC said the MCIAA has started consulting affected airlines to consider the impact of any proposed closure program.
Ferrer said the airlines will then amend their flight schedules and notify passengers accordingly.
GMCAC said it will update its website and provide information in support of the airlines' plans. (EOB)