NAIA Services Towards a Quality Policy for Aviation Security and Emergency Framework

Abstract

NAIA is being operated and maintained exclusively by MIAA, a government-controlled corporation under the supervision of the Department of Transportation through its agencies, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS). Among the reported incidents at NAIA is the shooting incident at NAIA Terminal 3, killing the mayor of Labangan, a town in the southern Philippines, two members of his family, and a child.

NAIA was tagged as the "world's worst airport" (in 2011, 2012, and 2013 by "The Guide to Sleeping in Airports.”) despite being the primary gateway to Southeast Asian nations. In 2018, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an advisory directing airlines in the Philippines to alert their passengers on the deficiency of security measures at the NAIA back.

In recent years, the significant and busiest international airports started announcing preventive safety measures against the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) calls Covid-19, after its outbreak in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread to 34 more countries.

The crisis confronting the aviation industry is unprecedented, and no one working there knows how to put the industry back on track. It will take a lot of time for the aviation industry to return as there will be apprehension after restrictions are allowed.

The researchers studied and evaluated the effectiveness of the security measures at the NAIA to ensure the safety and convenience of the traveling public and the capability of MIAA OAGMSES in handling preventive emergency measures. The results will guide Manila International Airport Authority and its stakeholders to upgrade the efficiency, discipline, performance, and competency of security and safety personnel to serve as a benchmark for quality service.

Amidst the crises, it's not only a question of only restrictions. Even after all the restrictions are allowed, there will be apprehension. Hence, there is a need for the accelerated development of an MIAA Aviation Security and Emergency Plan (MASEP) as a future aviation security policy and programming framework. The MASEP will unite MIAA and its stakeholders in a holistic and coordinated effort to address global and national aviation safety and security challenges. It is envisaged that the MASEP will serve as an essential document to assist all stakeholders in strengthening collaboration in NAIA aviation security, including the areas of harmonizing aviation principles, approaches, and measures; information sharing; innovation and better use of technology, and in aviation safety and security training and capacity development. The MASEP will also move MIAA and all stakeholders towards fulfilling the intent and direction of ICAO and enhancing the aviation industry's level.