By fast-tracking repair works, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) achieved ahead of schedule its target to resume full operations at Clark International Airport (CRK).
"The inspection, clearing and repair (of the terminal's damaged portion) will normally take two weeks to accomplish. But Clark airport was reopened in less than 48 hours," Jaime Melo, president of the Clark International Aiport Corp. (CIAC), said.
Melo was referring to the collapsed ceiling at the terminal's check-in lobby caused by an earthquake that struck Luzon last April 22.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier pledged to resume CRK operations Wednesday or, at the latest, on Thursday, April 25, target dates for rehabilitation works inside the terminal to be completed.
The CRK gates opened at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday to accommodate hundreds of passengers for an initial six airlines servicing eight international routes and three domestic destinations.
"The terminal and tower are structurally sound as certified by authorities. We'll be 90 to 100 percent full service flights by tomorrow as airlines commit to resume services at Clark," Melo added.
"The BCDA was also instrumental in the rapid completion of the clearing and repair works as it engaged the services of companies like GMR Megawide and R2 Builders at no cost to government, the airport executive said.