San Miguel Corporation (SMC) infrastructure unit SMC Infrastructure said its Boracay (Godofredo P. Ramos) Airport in Caticlan, continues to operate despite widespread damage in the Visayas region caused by typhoon Ursula. It has also accommodated more flights, particularly as the Kalibo airport remains closed.
“We would like to ask for your understanding and patience for any delays and inconvenience you are experiencing at the Boracay (Godofredo P. Ramos) Airport, at this time,” the company said in a statement issued to passengers.
“Because of the continued closure of Kalibo Airport due to damage sustained from typhoon Ursula, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has diverted all Kalibo flights to Boracay Airport.”
As a result, from its usual 26 flights daily, the airport operated 40 outbound flights as of yesterday, in order to accommodate passengers from Kalibo. This included the take-off of eight (8) Airbuses after sunset, the company said.
“Also, because of widespread damage affecting Caticlan and many other areas, communication lines are still down and only Smart lines are intermittently available. Bank ATMs also continue to be offline at the moment.
There is no electricity, however, the airport is currently running on generators,” it said further. The company said it was continuing to work and coordinate closely with all stakeholders to restore normal operations at the soonest possible time. PR