From left, Andrew Acquaah Harrisson, GMCAC chief executive advisor; Paul Villarete, Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) general manager; Srinivas Bommidala, chairman of the airports sector, GMR Group LTd., Manuel Louie Ferrer, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. president prepare to unveil the new airport logo. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The sound of festive drum beats signaled the first day of Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) under new management yesterday.
Tarpaulin banners bearing the airport’s new logo and staffers in maroon polo shirts and Filipiniana dress were initial signs of change.
The change with the biggest impact, however, was the well-publicized increase in terminal fees which took effect during peak travel, as passengers flew to their home provinces for the weekend holiday.
The P20 increase for domestic travelers took effect on All Saints Day.
“I traveled with four family members and that means an additional P100 for all of us. I hope they offer more affordable dining options and clean toilets,” said passenger Villa Honculada.
Effective yesterday, the domestic passenger service charge (PSC) or domestic terminal fee will be P220.
It will be adjusted to P300 by January of 2016. The international PSC was also raised from P550 to P750.
Expect more visible changes in services in the next three months, said representatives of GMR Megawaide Cebu Airport Corp.
“We will be adding three X-ray machines in the next few days. We already have the machines and will be installing them soon,” said GMCAC president Louie Ferrer.
Advisories
There was a long line in all check-in counters at the Domestic Departure area of the MCIA while the International Departure Area only had a handful of passengers waiting for their flights.
Catherine dela Cruz, who’s headed to Pagadian City, said the P20 increase is okay so long as it goes to improving the airport.
Her husband agreed and said there should be more advisories about the increase so people will know.
“Some travel in budget and P20 can already impact on their expenses,” he said.
Patrick Uy who is headed to Australia via Singapore said he heard of the increase but didn’t know it took effect yesterday.
Visible improvements
“I’m working for an IT company in Cebu and got assigned for a yearlong deployment to Australia. When I get back, I’m hoping for visible improvements in the airport,” Uy said.
Christine Clemens is also headed for Australia via Singapore.
“P750 is mahal (expensive) and there’s no visible improvement yet. It’s alright to implement increases but let’s also make sure that the passengers like me get to experience something positive out of this additional cost,” said Clemens.
Malaysia-based Cebuana Evelyn Nas said she has no problem with the increase.
“It’s the same in other airports and if they are doing this to improve the airport then it’s fine,” she said.
MCIA Authority General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said the PSC increase will be used to improve facilities in the airport including the runways.
Andrew Acquaah Harrison, GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) advisor, said they haven’t received any complaints from passengers on the increased terminal fee.
A Mass held at the MCIA chapel to mark yesterday’s milestone was attended by directors of both the Bangalore-based GMR Group and Megawide Construction Corp.
Harrison said they will launch a consumer survey to get feedback from domestic and foreign passengers.
“Within the next three months, expect soft changes in the terminal which will focus on convenience and efficiency for the passengers,” said Harrison.
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