NNIC audits, redesigns passenger drop-off areas after fatal crash at NAIA

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is conducting an audit and redesigning passenger drop-off areas at Ninoy Aquino International Airport following a deadly crash on Sunday that resulted in two deaths.

Following the incident where an SUV crashed through a security bollard, killing two people and injuring others, NNIC will reinforce existing bollards installed in 2019 and modify the current diagonal drop-off layout into a safer parallel configuration to improve curbside safety at Terminals 1 and 2.

Engineers found that the bollards were not buried deep enough into the concrete due to the arrival area being directly beneath, prompting NNIC to audit all security bollards for necessary reinforcements such as deeper foundations or structural upgrades.

NNIC president Ramon Ang committed to covering medical expenses for the injured and providing financial assistance to the families of those killed, while Manila International Authority general manager Eric Ines ordered additional police officers at Terminal 1's departure area to ensure proper parking and safety.

The redesign aims to provide an added layer of protection for passengers, well-wishers, airport staff, and others who regularly access the terminal curbside, with NNIC stating that while safeguards were already in place, there is always room to improve.