MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Ten member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will be in attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Manila on November 18 to 19.

At least 1,800 domestic and international flights will be affected by the closure of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) runway as part of preparations for the arrival and departure of APEC leaders in Manila, including US President Barack Obama, for the summit.

NAIA terminals will be used exclusively for the heads of state attending the APEC meeting.

No other airport in the world closes its runways or terminals during international meetings.  Only in the Philippines.

As a result of the airport closure, the Philippines’ own Economic Development Authority and Department of Tourism have said that the country will lose millions of dollars because of cancellations of business meetings and tourism trips to the Philippines.

Airlines and hotels have reported that customers have cancelled their reservations as a result of the APEC meeting.  Other local businesses stand to lose potential revenue as well.

Additionally, the government will be suspending school classes as well as work in both the private and public sectors for four days during the meeting. Metro Manila will come to a standstill, with lots of productivity lost.

Economic experts find it ironic that an international economic meeting will wreak havoc on the economy of a host country.