MIAA seeks to expand proposed 4-km ‘no fly zone’ around NAIA to 13 kms

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is seeking to expand a proposed 4-kilometer no fly zone around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to 13 kilometers, the accepted standard worldwide, a MIAA official said Tuesday.

Joseph Agustin, airport grounds operations and safety division chief, said the MIAA has forwarded its recommendation to Parañaque City councilor Ricardo Baes, author of an ordinance seeking the 4-kilometer ban against breeding birds, flying kites and toy planes to secure air traffic from the present one-mile radius.

“We’re also pushing for a similar ban on laser beams and spotlights because these structures distract pilots while in the air,” Agustin said.

The recommendation was forwarded to Baes for his consideration on Monday afternoon.

The proposed 13-km ban is the result of consultations with MIAA and airline officials last Friday to discuss bird strikes and other similar incidents.

Baes’ ordinance also seeks to amend an earlier measure making the breeding of pigeons and other domesticated birds within a one-mile radius of the NAIA illegal.

The proposal by MIAA came after its general manager Jose Angel Honrado wrote
Parañaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. regarding the matter, Agustin said.

“We will be coordinating with other nearby local government units as well, but we first coordinated with Paranaque City,” Agustin said.
Julie M. Aurelio