THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation reported on Wednesday, June 10, that the falling ceiling and wall debris in General Santos International Airport have all been cleared.
Following Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez’s inspection of the airport on Tuesday, June 9, workers immediately conducted cleanup and repair.
Nonetheless, airport operations were cancelled following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday morning, June 8.
In a statement, Lopez said clearing of debris and clutter ensures smooth and uninterrupted government, military, and humanitarian flights that will deliver aid to residents affected by the earthquake.
The official added that the restoration of the airport also serves as preparation for the resumption of commercial operations at the GenSan airport in the coming days.
“The President’s order to us is to expedite the clearing and repair of the debris blocking the airport so that our relief operations in the province can proceed smoothly and continuously, and also in preparation for the return of commercial operations in the coming days,” Lopez said.
The secretary has ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to lift the suspension of airport operations to allow military aircraft, government, and humanitarian flights.
Lopez said the airport must be kept open for disaster response and to ensure unimpeded relief efforts.
The CAAP announced on Monday that landing and takeoff operations at General Santos Airport are currently limited to government, military, and humanitarian flights.
A Notice to Airmen is in effect from June 8 at 3 p.m. until June 11 at 6 p.m.
Passengers are advised to coordinate with their respective airlines on the status of their flights.
According to the latest CAAP advisory, 20 flights operated by PAL Express, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific between General Santos City and Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo are affected.
