By Ariel Fernandez
The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have directed all foreign and local carriers with international routes to conduct double aircraft disinfection in a bid to prevent the spread of viruses and deadly diseases.
MIAA GM Ed Monreal (FILE PHOTO/CAMILLE ANTE/ MANILA BULLETIN)
MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal requested all aircraft operators, handlers, airlines and airport authorities to conduct “disinsection/disinfection” before landing or takeoff at the NAIA.
Disinfection is a public health measure mandated by the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organizations (WHO). It involves treatment of the interior of the aircraft with insecticides/disinfection aerosol specified by the health body, the BOQ doctors said.
Treatment of the interior of the aircraft is done using a quick-acting insecticide/disinfection spray immediately before takeoff, with the passengers on board.
Quarantine and MIAA said that every arrival at the airport and prior to cargo being unloaded, every hold of the aircraft must be sprayed with one-shot cans of two percent d-phenothrin and two percent of Permethrin, with the numbers of cans required will be determined by the type of aircraft.
The BOQ said if airlines fail to comply with the directive, the bureau will do the spraying and a fee per can will be charged to the airline operators.
Monreal said that officials and members of the Airline Operators Council (AOC) welcome the BOQ mandate that disinsection/disinfection is for the passengers’ protection against viruses.
BOQ added that the practice before, airline staff must submit the canister used in spraying to the quarantine officers on duty as a “proof” that they did spray the chemical on the aircraft.