By Ma. Cristina Arayata
MANILA – The four-hour daily closure of the Davao International Airport runway for repair work has been extended until May 31, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Monday.
In an interview, CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the first notice to airmen (NOTAM) was issued for the runway’s closure from January 29 to February 17.
The NOTAM has been extended for the third time, announcing the runway’s closure from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. from April 8 to May 31.
Apolonio said Davao airport’s runway asphalt overlay project included the removal of a 2-inch-thick damaged asphalt pavement.
“It also included the application of emulsified asphalt tack coat, laying of hot bituminous mixture, and repainting of affected runway markings,” Apolonio told the Philippine News Agency.
He said the previous 6-hour closure was shortened to four hours to minimize the effect on airline operations.
Due to the developments, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Monday announced that it has adjusted the schedule of some of its Davao flights.
Affected passengers have received email notifications, and were provided with options to rebook, reroute or refund their tickets, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.
The adjusted time of departure (ETD) and arrival (ETA) of PAL flights until June 1 are:
PR 2821 Manila-Davao
ETD: From 10:15PM to 9:45PM
ETA: From 12:05AM to 11:35PM
PR2822 Davao-Manila
ETD: From 3:20AM to 4AM
ETA: From 5:10AM to 5:45AM
PR2807 Manila-Davao
ETD: From 11:15PM to 2:20AM
ETA: From 1:05AM to 4:10AM
PR2808 Davao-Manila
ETD: From 2:10AM to 4:50AM
ETA: From 4AM to 6:40AM. (PNA)
