Airport Authority Official Examines Mcia Following Fatal Nasia Collision

Airport Authority Official Examines Mcia Following Fatal Nasia Collision

Revised Article:

After a tragic car crash at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) claiming two lives, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon did a thorough check-up at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to ensure it sticks to international safety guidelines. This inspection, which took place on May 8, 2025, was in response to a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aiming to appraise airports nationwide.

Dizon revealed to reporters that the scrutiny over the safety of bollard installations has increased after the accident at Naia on May 4. He expressed concern about MCIA, run by Aboitiz InfraCapital, to promptly submit a report verifying the bollards' adherence to international safety regulations.

During the review, Dizon evaluated the traffic management at MCIA's domestic (Terminal 1) and international (Terminal 2) flights. He commended the vehicle arrangement at Terminal 2, as they are strategically positioned facing away from the building – a stark contrast to Naia, where vehicles face the terminal, potentially causing accidents. Regarding the traffic flow at Terminal 1, he noted the usage of parallel lanes, minimizing the risk of collisions like the one that occurred at Naia.

Dizon also addressed the Bureau of Immigration regarding the outdated electronic gates at MCIA and urged them to prioritize procuring innovative systems. This upgrade would improve efficiency, reduce the queue lines, and boost passenger flow.

Dizon expressed his satisfaction with the MCIA inspection but requested an engineering report from Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority General Manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr. to prevent future incidents.

Neri expressed his regret over the incident at Naia and confirmed steps will be taken to prevent similar situations at MCIA. He elaborated that the vehicles at Terminal 1 are aligned parallel, and cars and buses passing by Terminal 2 are oriented outward, away from the bollards. This arrangement, Neri said, matches the safety protocols recommended by international standards.

The DOTr is also making preparations for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations 2026 summit, with MCIA playing a significant role. Dizon intends to travel to other international airports in the Philippines, such as Davao and Iloilo, for further checks.

Noteworthy Insights:

International safety standards for bollards in high-traffic areas mandate that these barriers meet specific crash-rating standards, like ASTM F2656 and PAS 68, to stop vehicles of a specific weight at a particular speed. Proper installation requires bollards to be embedded deeply into reinforced concrete and be secured with high-strength steel rebar or anchor rods. This ensures that bollards remain firm during a collision, avoiding fatal gaps.

After recent incidents, like the crash at Naia, efforts have been made to ensure compliance with international safety standards and prevent future accidents.

1. Secretary Vince Dizon announced a series of inspections on airports across the Philippines, starting with Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), following the tragic car crash at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
2. During his visit on May 8, 2025, Dizon expressed his approval of the strategic positioning of vehicles at MCIA's Terminal 2, facing away from the building, as opposed to Naia where vehicles face the terminal.
3. The DOTr Secretary pointed out the usage of parallel lanes at Terminal 1 of MCIA, which helps reduce the risk of collisions, as seen in the accident at Naia.
4. Dizon stressed the need for an upgrade of the outdated electronic gates at MCIA, calling for a priority in procuring innovative systems to enhance efficiency and passenger flow.
5. The DOTr, preparing for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations 2026 summit, also plans to inspect other international airports in the Philippines, including Davao and Iloilo, in a continued effort to uphold international safety standards.
6. In response to recent tragedies like the Naia accident, there has been renewed attention to ensuring compliance with international safety standards for bollards in high-traffic areas, including the use of crash-rating standards like ASTM F2656 and PAS 68.
7. General Manager and CEO of MCIA, Julius Neri Jr., confirmed that the vehicles at Terminal 1 of MCIA are arranged parallel, and vehicles passing by Terminal 2 are oriented outward, away from the bollards, adhering to safety protocols recommended by international standards.

Read also: