The facilities and infrastructures of the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) will not pass international standards, lamented KIA Manager Percy Malonesio during his meeting with the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan last November 28.

Malonesio was reportedly invited to attend the 41st Regular Session of the SP to shed light over reports of alleged “pathetic” situation in the KIA, which the lawmakers themselves have observed.

These concerns include congestion in the pre-departure area, substandard restroom facilities, air-conditioners conking out, no toiletries inside the rest rooms, baggage conveyors stalled, concessionaire’s attendants washing vegetables at the rest room lavatory, airport utility workers spraying deodorants at the floor space, not so desirable airport solid waste disposal, among others.

Malonesio admitted that congestion exists at the pre-departure area especially at times when several flights come at too close intervals.

He said departing passengers number about 750 but the pre-departure space can only accommodate 500 passengers.

Malonesio added that the problem was mainly caused by the renovation/repair of the old terminal which prompted the management to accommodate both domestic and international passengers in one departure area at the new terminal.

The airport manager explained that the parking bay area of the KIA can only accommodate three aircrafts at a time. Thus, they reduced the flight arrivals as implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines or CAAP.

It was learned that last October, there were 251 international flights arriving at the airport ferrying a total of 26,834 international passengers from Asian Capitals in Taipei, Taiwan, Incheon, South Korea, Hongkong, and Pusan via the international carriers of China Mandarin Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and East Airways.

For the domestic flights, CAAP recorded some 620 flight arrivals carrying 49,269 domestic passengers with 91,576 kilograms of cargo volume with carriers Cebu Pacific Air, PAL, Zest Airways, Airphil Express, Air Asia, and SEAIR.*