2005News

More problems for new city airport

This time the conflict is between the Army, the Ministry of Public Works, and Aerodom, the official operator of the La Isabela/Joaquin Balaguer International Airport. So far, the new international airport has gone from one problem to the next and this is the latest in a long line of seemingly endless setbacks. According to Diario Libre, the air cavalry unit that was so joyously received by Aerodom as the first lease-holders just 26 days ago have been invited to demolish the hangars and building that they had begun to build in the area assigned to the Army helicopter unit. In the notice by Aerodom, the Army is warned that their installations are located at a distance of 280 meters from the VOR navigation equipment station, and the lease agreement stated that buildings had to be at least 300 meters away from the equipment. The advisory note warned that the Army would be liable for any of the consequences of such a violation of international operational safety standards and was also sent to the Ministry of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Public Works. Meanwhile, Andres Vanderhorst, the director of the Airport Authority questioned whether a private airport operator should be so drastic in an airport constructed by the state, which is also being used by the Army as part of the nation’s security efforts.