NAIA terminal 3. FILE PHOTO
THE United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will conduct a security assessment at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from May 27 to May 29.
The TSA is a US government agency mandated to conduct security assessments of airports worldwide.
According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA,) the TSA performs regular security assessments of airports, which host airlines with flights to the US, to check if it meets the safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
In a statement, MIAA said the TSA would check airline operations, including their respective ground handlers, from Wednesday to Friday.
It said those participating in the inspection are Cathay Pacific, Philippine Airlines, EVA Airways, United Airlines, UA Cargo, Federal Express, United Parcel Service Clark, Delta, Miascor, Sky Kitchen Philippines Incorporated, and PAL Cargo.
MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado said that he is confident that NAIA would pass the inspection of the TSA, citing the management’s continuous efforts to ensure passenger security at the airport.
“It was November 2013 when the TSA last inspected NAIA. The results from which showed that the airport meets international standards. MIAA maintains a positive disposition that the airport will again pass the inspection,” Honrado said.
He said the airport management continues to enhance security measures for passengers.
According to him, new body scanners are expected to arrive next month while more CCTVs are to be installed next year.
Meanwhile, an assessment of NAIA operations will then take place from June 1 to June 3.
This will cover systems relative to terminal and ramp access control; security screening; quality control; the airport perimeter; the command center; and aircraft and cargo operations.
The TSA is expected to start collating its findings on June 4.
MIAA said the final assessment report would be given to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) through the Office for Transport Security. AC