4 of 6 cooling towers at NAIA Terminal 3 back in operation

Four out of the six cooling towers which bogged down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 are now back in operation, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said, according to a report by Christian Maño on Super Radyo dzBB.

The MIAA said its engineering team is working on restoring the other cooling towers.

In the meantime, evaporative fans remained in place in critical areas at the airport to help lessen the discomfort of passengers. Bottled water were also provided for passengers.

On Saturday night, some cooling towers of the NAIA Terminal 3 tripped due to electricity overload.

Passengers were seen using fans and handheld mini battery-powered fans to cope with the heat.

"In the meantime, we seek for the understanding of our passengers and stakeholders as we work through this challenge. We apologize for any inconvenience that the situation is causing to everyone. Rest assured that we are doing all we can to bring back the air conditioning system to its full functionality," the MIAA said in a statement issued Saturday.

In a report by Mav Gonzales on 24 Oras Weekend, departing and arriving passengers had to endure the hot conditions inside the terminal.

Aside from the heat, many-- particularly senior citizens-- complained of the lack of seats.

Around 1 a.m. Sunday, two cooling towers were finally repaired and are being monitored.

"Napagana na natin ito. Kaya lang, kahit na yung isang cooling tower ay napagana na natin, hindi pa rin normal yung temperature. So, below normal pa rin yung temperatrure kung kaya't medyo mainit pa rin sa ating terminal," said Chris Noel Bendijp, MIAA spokesperson in an interview over Super Radyo dzBB.

"Talaga pong for replacement na rin itong mga cooling towers na ito, In fact, ongoing na po yung project na iyan. Kaya lang po end of May ang target po ng replacement ng 6 na cooling towers," he added.

Passengers headed to NAIA 3 were advised to bring fans and to dress in light clothing.
—KG/RF, GMA Integrated News