CAAP-Kalibo under fire

Government and church officials criticized the way the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is managing the Kalibo International Airport here.
They cited complaints from passengers and personal experience in describing how uncomfortable traveling through one of the busiest airports in the country has become.
And then there is the issue on security. Just last week, a penniless woman was able to fly to Incheon, South Korea without a ticket and a passport.
Leah Castro Reginio, a native of Antique, bypassed security and immigration officials at the Kalibo airport but was sent back to the Philippines when Korean airport authorities discovered she did not have any travel documents, a national newspaper has reported.
Now the CAAP-Kalibo under Manager Cynthia Aspera is under fire.
The “united leadership of Aklan” has been disappointed with the way CAAP operates the Kalibo airport, said Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo.
“We have been receiving from tourists numerous complaints about the (airport’s) operation,” said Quimpo. “There are too many delayed flights … lack of comfort rooms and [air-conditioning units].”
Panay News reported earlier this month that congestion at the passenger terminal building and foul odor emanating from comfort rooms continue to badger the gateway.
Aside from the shortage of seats, passengers also lamented that the long queues at the only two comfort rooms — one for males, another for females — make waiting at the already crowded terminal even more uncomfortable.
Apparently, too, security at the Kalibo International Airport is lax, said Quimpo. “This is frightening.”
The Kalibo airport is the primary gateway of many local and foreign visitors bound for tourist attractions in Aklan, particularly the world-famous island resort Boracay.
Gov. Florencio Miraflores and Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. has also expressed concern regarding the airport’s management and hoped to see huge improvements thereat this year.
Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc, for his part, said he buys three different plane tickets every time he goes to Manila to make sure he arrives in time for his appointments.
This reporter went to Aspera’s office yesterday to get her comment but the CAAP official refused to be interviewed.