MANILA, Philippines – The Palace said it expects significant improvements in the country’s major airports next year as the Philippines aggressively promotes its tourism sector.
Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said part of it is the ongoing rehabilitation work at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
“Nakikita naman natin that the work is taking place, which is why we continue to seek the understanding of our passengers because of the inconvenience that the rehab work is causing,” Valte told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan in an interview Saturday.
Aviation authorities also transferred at least five of the international airlines from Terminal 1 to NAIA Terminal 3, she said.
With the transfer, major airlines could fully utilize NAIA Terminal 3 easing the passenger congestion at the Terminal 1. Among those transferred to Terminal 3 include Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, KLM, and Delta Airlines.
“So at least the remaining airlines there, mas kakaunti na sila, mas kakaunti na ang mga pasaherong dadaan doon sa terminal na ‘yun, (Terminal 1) especially now that it’s undergoing rehabilitation,” she noted.
The government has to improve the country’s facilities as it invites more tourists to come to the Philippines, she said.
More visitors are expected to visit the Philippines next year as it hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, Valte said.
Spain’s Madrid Fusion is also coming to the Philippines in 2015, she said.
“That was one of the agreements that the President witnessed the signing of in Madrid when he was there. So, we expect more visitors and we really have made plans also for them,” she added
