MIAA acquires fixed CAAP certification

The Manila International Airport Authority has acquired a permanent airport certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The certification, issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations governing Aerodromes (CAR-Aerodromes), confirms that NAIA has fulfilled its commitment to meet and comply with CAAP's standards.

The MIAA leadership expressed excitement over the accomplishment. It said that improvements in operational effectiveness, security, safety, and passenger experience at the major gateway have been the authority's constant priorities. The accreditation raises the Philippines' profile in the global aviation community and ushers in a new age of operational excellence for NAIA.

The milestone was reached in December 2017 with the issuance of a temporary certificate after MIAA started a protracted aerodrome certification process with CAAP in 2015. The Aerodrome Certificate required several compliances, which MIAA's Safety Management System Office carefully tracked to meet the strict CAAP requirements.

In March 2021, MIAA achieved an effective compliance score of 90.69% after years of painstaking study, analysis, and resolution of compliance-related concerns. The Aeronautical Information Publication published the necessary Aerodrome Obstacle Limitation Surface charts in November 2023. This month, CAAP issued the permanent Aerodrome Certificate.

Before awarding an aerodrome certificate, the CAAP verifies that an airport satisfies several requirements, including the aerodrome's physical attributes, amenities, services, safety regulations, staff qualifications, operational capability, safety management system, and emergency readiness.

The certification demonstrates the considerable progress the NAIA has made, including improvements to the runway system, modernized air traffic control systems, stringent safety and security protocols, and enhanced passenger amenities and services.

The MIAA also attributed the certification to the hard work and dedication of the entire airport team, spearheaded by its Safety Management Office. The support and contributions of the airport stakeholders, partners, and CAAP significantly led to the milestone.

The MIAA has committed to strictly adhering to the terms and conditions of the Aerodrome certificate, monitoring compliance, and maintaining the highest level of safety moving forward.

Under CAAP's aerodrome surveillance program, NAIA will undergo routine inspections by CAAP's Aerodrome and Air Navigation Safety Oversight Office.