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Second airspace shutdown ‘seems ominous,’ says Poe

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POE BARES WOES AT NAIA: Sen. Grace Poe calls for improved services at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). In a privilege speech during Monday's plenary session, December 12, 2022, Poe lamented the perennial problems experienced by local and foreign travelers at the NAIA, which capacity has soared to 47.8 million in 2019 from its normal passenger capacity of 35 million. "Our primary entry point is now a major chokepoint," Poe said. The Committee on Public Services chairperson reminded the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) of its promises to decongest and improve passenger experience at the NAIA. She also appealed to authorities to promote cashless payment scheme in the Philippines' main gateway. Poe pushed for the passage of e-governance and automation bills to streamline processes not only in NAIA, but all government agencies. She also sought the approval of her proposal for the creation of the Philippine Airports Authority, which would focus on operating and maintaining airports throughout the country. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB) airspace shutdown

POE BARES WOES AT NAIA: Sen. Grace Poe calls for improved services at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). In a privilege speech during Monday's plenary session, December 12, 2022, Poe lamented the perennial problems experienced by local and foreign travelers at the NAIA, which capacity has soared to 47.8 million in 2019 from its normal passenger capacity of 35 million. "Our primary entry point is now a major chokepoint," Poe said. The Committee on Public Services chairperson reminded the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) of its promises to decongest and improve passenger experience at the NAIA. She also appealed to authorities to promote cashless payment scheme in the Philippines' main gateway. Poe pushed for the passage of e-governance and automation bills to streamline processes not only in NAIA, but all government agencies. She also sought the approval of her proposal for the creation of the Philippine Airports Authority, which would focus on operating and maintaining airports throughout the country. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — The second airspace shutdown this year that happened on Chinese New Year seemed “ominous” for Senator Grace Poe.

On Sunday, nine flights were affected as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) conducted maintenance procedures on its navigation system.

READ: CAAP conducts maintenance check on navigation system; 9 flights affected

“CAAP should have issued a prior announcement and rescheduled some flights. It seems obvious they were not anticipating a possible shutdown of the UPS (uninterruptible power supply) while they were doing maintenance work,” Poe said in a statement on Monday.

“This begs the question if CAAP is truly equipped to repair and recalibrate their ATM/CNS (Air Traffic Management/Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance) system without the help of a competent maintenance provider like Thales and Sumitomo. Chinese New Year pa nangyari (It really happened on Chinese New Year). It seems ominous,” she added.

The recent airspace shutdown occurred just three weeks after the New Year’s Day airport fiasco.

On January 1, hundreds of flights were affected by the supposed power outage that downed the ATM/CNS. At least 65,000 passengers were affected by the turmoil.

CAAP apologized and took full responsibility and accountability for the mess.

For Poe, CAAP is 100 percent responsible for the airport snag.

The Senate public services committee, which Poe chairs, is investigating the New Year’s Day airspace hitch.

READ: Senate starts probe into New Year’s Day air traffic control system collapse

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