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Airport privatization: Primordial concern must be public interest

E CARTOON OCT 30, 2024.jpg

Airport privatization seems to be the name of the game.

The government has announced plans to privatize the operations of more airports after the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Laguindingan International Airport in Cagayan de Oro City.

Next in the pipeline are the country’s international airports in Bohol, Iloilo, Davao City, and Kalibo, Aklan.

The plan to privatize more international airports brings to the fore the critical need to strike a balance between public interest and profit. While privatization can lead to improved infrastructure and efficiency, it is vital that public interest should not be sacrificed for profit.

The recent experiences with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after the San Miguel Corporation-led consortium took over its operations offer valuable lessons. Despite promises of modernization and increased capacity, the transition has not been without its challenges. Passengers have faced significant disruptions, and the public has borne the brunt of operational hiccups.

The challenges confronting the public at NAIA come in the form of astronomical increase in parking fees, including overnight parking from ₱300 to ₱1,200; the increase in aircraft landing and takeoff fees, which are certain to be passed on to passengers through higher airfares; the new curbside overstaying fees; the increase in terminal fees that will take effect next year; among others. Then, there was the recent baggage system glitch as well as the water supply problem that inconvenienced passengers and the public.

All these issues underscore the importance of prioritizing public interest in any privatization effort.

Airports are not merely profit-generating entities; they are vital public utilities that serve as gateways to the nation. The primary concern must always be the welfare of the passengers and the public.

In the case of NAIA, the interest of passengers and the public appears to have been swept under the rug in an effort to expedite modernization and deliver promised improvements at the earliest possible time. It appeared to have backfired.

The essence of an airport’s existence is to facilitate travel and commerce, ensuring safety, convenience, and accessibility for all. Therefore, public interest must always be the foremost concern. Improvements and reforms should be delivered first before any tweak in policies, including fees.

As the government moves forward with its privatization plans, it must ensure that the agreements with private operators include stringent performance standards and accountability measures. Public interest should be the primordial concern, guiding every decision and policy. Only by maintaining this focus can we ensure that our airports serve the people effectively while also achieving financial sustainability.

While privatization can bring about much-needed improvements, it must be approached with caution and a steadfast commitment to public service. The lessons from NAIA’s privatization should serve as a guiding light, reminding us that the ultimate goal is to serve the public, who are the very reason for the airports’ being.

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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph

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