Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has received accreditation from the Airports Council International-Airport Health Accreditation (ACI-AHA) in recognition of the health and safety measures at Terminals 1 and 2, the airport announced late Friday.

These health and safety measures meet global airport standards such as the ACI Aviation Business Restart and Recovery guidelines and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Council Aviation Restart Task Force (CART) recommendations, as well as other industry’s best practices.

With the accreditation, MCIA is recognized as one of the airports with best industry practices for safe travel during the pandemic. The Airport Health Accreditation Certification was awarded to MCIA on Jan. 26.

“Safety is the number one priority at MCIA, especially during this health crisis. We are committed to implementing and delivering best practices in the airport industry, particularly concerning the health and safety of our passengers, staff, and public,” Louie Ferrer, president of MCIA private operator GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), said in a statement.

“This health crisis is one that all airport stakeholders and all Filipinos should address, and we are thankful to our partners at MCIA for making safety their number one priority,” he said.

Airports Council International is a global body representing the world’s airport authorities and representing airports’ interests with governments and international organizations, developing standards, policies and recommended practices for airports.

The benefits of the ACI Airport Health Accreditation proves that MCIA demonstrates to passengers, staff, regulators, and government that they are prioritizing health and safety in a measurable, established manner; validates its measures throughout the facilities and processes thereby reassuring the traveling public that professional excellence is implemented to maintain safe hygienic facilities; and promotes best practices and aligns efforts across the industry to ensure harmonization between ICAO global guidance and industry implementation.

“The ACI Airport Health Accreditation only confirms that we are on the right track in implementing appropriate health and safety programs in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This will motivate us in working harder to serve the public better as our efforts are being recognized. As an airport, our stakeholders are working as one in the hope that as a country we will heal as one,” said lawyer Glenn Napuli, officer-in-charge of the MCIA Authority.

“In obtaining this certification, we acknowledge the efforts and contribution of MCIAA, GMCAC and all airport community Stakeholders who play a major role through their respective procedures which combined to become the total safe travel experience through MCIA and without the efforts of our community Stakeholders, this success would not have been possible,” said John Binamira, GMCAC head of safety, quality and environment.

MCIA said it will continue to work together to strengthen public health and safety in its operations to provide a safe environment for its passengers and stakeholders when traveling through the airport. (PNA)