Surigao Airport Reopened 12 Days After Powerful Earthquake Damages Runway

After 12 days since its runway was damaged by the 6.7-magnitude earthquake, Surigao airport has finally reopened.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing the reopening of the said airport.

CAAP Deputy Director General for Operations Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo stated that some 1,000 meters of the 1,700-meter runway was declared safe in accommodating aircraft.

Currently, PalExpress and Cebu Pacific are operating on the Surigao airport using their turbo propeller aircraft type like Q4 and ATR’s.

He said that coring test on the runway and sub-surface soil exploration survey was conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Caraga and CAAP technical team since February 15.

Tamayo stated that a 24/7 repairs and rehabilitation of the damaged portions of the airport complex are on effect.

It would take four months to complete the renovation of the airport terminal and nine months to fully restore the 1,700-meter runway, he added.

Prior to the reopening of the Surigao airport, Department of Transportation officials, headed by Secretary Arthur Tugade, inspected the partially renovated runway and checked the progress of repairs of the damaged airport terminal complex.

Authorities suspended the operations of the airport on February 11 after the powerful earthquake struck Surigao del Norte.

Source: Manila Bulletin