The decision of Philippine CAA to ban landings at runway 24 and take-offs at runway 06 has reduced the safety at Caticlan airport. This airport is used by turboprops like ATR-72, DHC-8-300, Dornier 328 and MA-60. The runway is only 950 meters long. Take-off or landing in tailwind makes this airport much more demanding for the flight crew.
The decision to lengthen the runway and flatten the hill is very welcoming. But the operators should be allowed to choose the runway that is most safe for take-off and landing.
Capt Magnar Nordal, TRI