Int’l flights resume

All international flights at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport have resumed operations.

As of 5:30pm, four incoming international flights—two Jeju, one T’way, and one United Airlines—have resumed flights to Saipan, according to Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director Christopher S. Tenorio yesterday afternoon.

Tenorio said Asiana, HK Express, and China Eastern have also resumed operations.

He said Star Marianas Air will be resuming its operations today, Wednesday.

Tenorio said they had already completed their assessments of all CPA airports and seaports on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Following the assessments, he announced to all stakeholders and the public that normal operations are in effect for the airports and seaports in the CNMI.

As of yesterday morning, there was no damage to the facilities at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport due to Super Typhoon Hagibis.

Saipan Tribune chanced upon Tenorio and CPA deputy director Edward Mendiola checking the facilities at the airport and overseeing the clearing of debris at 8:30am.

At that time, Tenorio said they don’t know any damage and that he was just about to send one of their personnel to the seaport to make an assessment.

At that time, Tenorio said they have not done an assessment at the airport yet because the wind was still very strong. He said they would do that once the winds die down.

“But, so far, there is no damage to the airport. But we’re [going to] confirm that as soon as we go out and do an assessment,” Tenorio said.

With respect to vehicles parked at the airport, he said they are all secured and there have been no damage.

He said the main road leading to the entrance of the airport has fewer debris compared to previous typhoons.

“There were no trees that fell on the road. The road is pretty clear. Our guys are going out right now trying to pick up all the branches on the main road,” Tenorio said.

He said they are still waiting for other airlines to commit flying in because all flights were canceled Monday night.

“So, hopefully, the weather will cooperate today and they [flights] will start coming in later today,” he said.

Tenorio said there are no jets at the airport, but only the planes of Star Marianas.

He said they are just waiting for the assessment if there is any damage to Star Marianas’ planes.

“But I’m pretty sure everything is okay,” Tenorio said.