Shutdown of PH airspace blights new year cheer; More follow-up from media needed

This Week in Media (January 2 to 6, 2023)

IT WAS the top story for the country, but even international media reported the “nightmare” on the first day of 2023: the air traffic system failure in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, which closed all Philippine airports to all flights. Lasting 10 hours, it caused massive delays, cancellations and diversions of more than 300 domestic and international flights. Some 60,000 passengers were stranded, either awaiting information on what they would have to do, or to be flown back to their original destinations. Though much of the coverage was focused on NAIA, some local reporters noted that all airports in the country were affected by the shutdown. Reporting the initial statement of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Philippine media duly followed the official use of “technical issues” to explain the cause of the crisis.

Coverage tracked concerned officials, including: CAAP Director General Capt. Manuel Tamayo; Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Chief Cesar Chiong; and Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista. The three officials called a press conference at 8 pm of January 1, identifying the cause of the crisis as the failure of both the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for the air traffic management system and the back-up UPS. Manual connection to a commercial power source restored the system; but this resulted in a power surge that damaged crucial equipment handling satellite data for communication. 

The lack of power meant air traffic controllers on the ground were unreachable, and all aircraft within Philippine airspace at the time were flying blind. CNN Philippines interviewed a commercial airline pilot who experienced the outage himself, explaining how he and his colleagues had to make do with old technology such as radio communication to ensure that no accidents involving any aircraft would happen. Speaking to anchor Pia Hontiveros, Capt. Darren Adrian Acorda stressed how important the air traffic management system is in the prevention of air accidents and mishaps, saying the lack of it is akin to having an orchestra without a conductor.

TV5 produced visual explainers that made the problem and its cause more understandable, while online reports from sites such as Rappler and news.ABS-CBN.com provided an account of the steps taken to repair and to partially restore services throughout the day. InterAksyon clarified that CAAP, not MIAA, is the agency in charge of air traffic control. Both CAAP and MIAA are attached agencies of the Department of Transport (DOTr).

Outdated equipment?

Media also reported Capt. Tamayo’s admission during the  press briefing that the air traffic management system of the Philippines is already “outdated.” He said the Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Systems for Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) was introduced in 2010 and only implemented fully by 2018. In the same briefing, DOTr Secretary Bautista said the Philippines’ current system is at least 10 years behind those of other countries in the region such as Singapore, and would  need at least PHP 13 billion to upgrade, to include as well a back-up system  in another part of the country. 

CNN Philippines’ The Source featured Edgardo Diaz, CAAP’s Deputy Director for operations, who said Tamayo’s description of “outdated” does not necessarily mean “obsolete,” since only some features of the CNS/ATM require upgrading, and that it would still work perfectly as long as proper maintenance is observed. 

Several lawmakers nonetheless expressed concern about the possibility of another crisis, and its impact on tourism and national security. Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Committee on Public Services, told the media a legislative probe can be held before the Senate resumes session. At least three senators — Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla and Joel Villanueva — filed resolutions calling for a hearing into the air traffic control incident.

Meanwhile, some sources interviewed suggested that top officials resign as a demonstration of accountability. Others recommended the filing of a class action suit.

How about passengers?

Ultimately, Filipino passengers were the ones who lost the most in the fiasco. TV reporters who went to NAIA featured distraught, disappointed and angry passengers, Filipinos and foreigners. News accounts said OFWs were prioritized in the provision of amenities and new flights. But others were not as lucky as they had to pay for their own meals and sleep at the airport.  Those who could afford it found it difficult to find accommodations in hotels which were fully booked because of the holidays.

Oscar Oida and Zen Hernandez noted in their respective reports for 24 Oras and TV Patrol report that under the Air Passenger’s Bill of Rights, “force majeure” events such as power outages or natural calamities entitle a passenger to a full reimbursement of airfare costs only. But some reports did note efforts by some airlines to provide food and water to their passengers, which is required only when the airlines themselves cause delays or cancellations.

With or without legislative involvement, media must follow up on the steps taken by the agencies involved to address the issues that caused the shutdown. It cannot wait passively for the agencies to brief them. Rather, reporters should find ways to hold officials accountable and sustain public awareness about what the government actually does to ensure the safety and efficiency of Philippine air travel. 

The Philippines’ NAIA has already established itself as one of the worst airports in the world, according to several international studies. But the perils of its inadequate facilities now include not just massive disruptions and inconveniences, but public safety and security and life-threatening conditions.

Alas, as a business leader tweeted in his complaint after having had to spend three extra hours in flight, “Only in the Philippines!”