IRENE SINO CRUZ
Travel is often seen as an exciting opportunity, but for many Persons-With-Disabilities (PWDs), it can present a unique set of challenges.
Recognizing this, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has taken significant steps to ensure that travel is an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone, earning the airport a Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation from the Airports Council International.
MCIA’s dedication to inclusivity is evident in its array of PWD-friendly amenities designed to cater to the specific needs of travelers with disabilities.
From wheelchair assistance to priority boarding, these features are available across both terminals, ensuring that PWD travelers can navigate the airport with ease and confidence.
The airport’s PWD washrooms, ramp passageways, lifts, reserved seating, and priority boarding services are just a few examples of how MCIA sets a new standard for accessible travel in the Philippines.
Adherence to the Accessibility Law (Batas Pambansa Bilang 344) is a cornerstone of MCIA’s approach. The airport meticulously complied with the required standards and dimensions for vanities, grab bars and water closet heights. These features ensure that its facilities are safe and comfortable for PWDs.
โTravel should be a privilege, not a burden,โ said Athanasios Titonis, Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation. โWhich is why we designed PWD-friendly amenities that cater to PWDs and their families.โ
โOne of the pioneering advancements done in the Philippine airport community is the integration of sliding doors in PWD-friendly restrooms, emergency push buttons, and designated seating areas to ensure comfort and convenience for all travelers,โ Titonis added.
Ricia Montejo, Head of Customer Experience at Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, emphasized the airportโs proactive approach to safety and accessibility. โPart of the airportโs commitment to safety is to ensure accessible travel for all. We do this by complying with global travel standards and getting input from the PWD community before upgrading our facilities,โ Montejo said.
MCIA holds an annual forum with PWD groups to gather insights and suggestions to enhance the travel experience for PWD passengers. This open dialogue ensures that the airportโs facilities continue to evolve in ways that benefit those who need them most.
Montejo highlighted the collaborative nature of these initiatives, stating, “It is a community that collaborates to enhance our facilities, making them more inclusive for everyone.”
MCIAโs commitment to accessibility is not just about meeting regulatory requirements. Itโs about fostering an environment where all travelers, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy the freedom and joy of travel. Through its innovative approach and dedication to inclusivity, MCIA sets a new benchmark for airports and ensures that travel is a privilege everyone can enjoy.
