DOTr probes main runway damage at MCIA

National

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has launched a formal probe into the development of potholes on the primary runway at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), which disrupted flights and led to a temporary operational shutdown on Saturday, July 12.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed on Super Radyo dzBB that the department aims to trace the root causes of the runway’s asphalt deterioration, citing prior resurfacing efforts in either 2018 or 2020.

“We will investigate the reason behind the potholes along the runway. We need to investigate why the asphalt eroded,” Dizon said per a report by PhilStar.

"We will investigate the quality of the last repair and its materials. The asphalt should not easily erode," Dizon added.

Following spot identification of loose asphalt, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) immediately shut down Runway 04R/22L at 3 p.m. last Saturday to effect repairs.

The runway was reopened by 7:30 p.m. after emergency works, restoring full flight operations ahead of schedule.

In response to the disruption, MCIA activated its secondary runway (04L/22R) for limited use by single aisle aircraft, such as Boeing 737s.

Although originally awaiting formal inauguration, it was cleared by CAAP after a safety check.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio stressed the safety implications of runway damage:

“Ang runway, kapag may potholes ay napakadelikado para sa mga eroplano. Hindi puwedeng i compromise ang safety.”

Simultaneously, the Civil Aeronautics Board instructed airlines to accommodate and assist affected passengers in accordance with their rights under the Passenger Bill of Rights.

MCIA, managed by Aboitiz InfraCapital under a public–private partnership, is expected to support the DOTr’s investigation.

The incident has sparked concern about long term infrastructure maintenance at the airport, given its status as the second busiest in the Philippines.

In the coming days, the DOTr will coordinate with CAAP and airport management to review past repair documentation, material quality, and inspection protocols.

Officials emphasized that such measures are essential to preventing future disruptions and safeguarding the integrity of airport infrastructure.(Edmie Rocsan, UV Comm Intern)