By Ariel Fernandez
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has assured that new measures are in place at the premier NAIA Terminals in preparation for the possible normalization of flights in mid-May and the so-called "new normal."
MIAA GM Ed Monreal (FILE PHOTO/CAMILLE ANTE/ MANILA BULLETIN)
MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal said that the check-in counters of all airline companies will be sporting a new look, as he had ordered the installation of acrylic barriers that would separate the passengers from the counter staff and better ensure distancing.
There are about 300 check-in counters at the NAIA Terminals 1,2,3 and 4.
The boarding and disembarkation gates will also be arranged to ensure compliance with the new protocols and seats will also be arranged in such a way as to ensure that social distancing is constantly observed.
Floors will also be marked to designate where people are required to stand during queueing even as the wearing of face masks is now mandatory inside the airport terminals.
Monreal said washable face masks are also slated to be distributed to all personnel of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), owing to the shortage of disposable ones.
The airport management has so far distributed 15,000 face masks to the MIAA personnel based on their inventory and the procurement continues along with the distribution as soon as supplies arrive.
It was learned from media affairs division chief Jess Martinez that the distribution of face masks began even before wearing them have become mandatory.
Earlier on, Monreal also donated thousands of face masks to the customs personnel at the NAIA through Customs-NAIA District Collector Mimel Talusan.
Meanwhile, Monreal also directed all third party operators at the NAIA Terminals, such as those companies who provide the manpower for ground handling, security guards and utility workers or building attendants, to ensure that their staff are provided with all the necessary protection while they are on duty, such as face masks.
According to Martinez, the provision of their staff’s needs in times like these is clearly provided in the contract that the said companies entered into with the MIAA.
Martinez said that much as the airport management would want to provide their staff’s needs, it would be technical malversation on the part of the MIAA.