MANILA — At least seven individuals sustained injuries after a ceiling panel collapsed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Friday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. within the terminal’s arrival extension area, amid the influx of travelers during the Good Friday holiday.
In a formal statement, airport operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) confirmed that all seven victims are currently in stable condition. A medical team, airport security personnel, and the PNP Aviation Security Group were dispatched to the scene immediately following the collapse to provide emergency medical attention and secure the vicinity.
The NNIC engineering team has since cordoned off the affected area and conducted a structural inspection of the surrounding sections. Following the assessment, the operator “confirmed that it is safe for normal operations.” The NNIC emphasized that the safety and well-being of passengers, airport workers, and visitors remain its top priority as it continues to provide assistance to those affected by the incident.
Parallel investigations are now underway to determine the exact cause of the structural failure. “NNIC is working closely with the relevant authorities and will take the necessary action based on the findings,” the company stated. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has also taken a firm stance, directing both the NNIC and the Manila International Airport Authority to submit a comprehensive report explaining the lapse in safety.
Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez issued a stern directive following the structural failure, emphasizing that the San Miguel Corporation (SMC)-led consortium must hold its contractors accountable for the incident. While operations at NAIA Terminal 1 remain normal, the DOTr stated it is “closely monitoring the situation and expects a thorough assessment of the incident, including the implementation of necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”|
