The aviation sector has recently been under fire as photos and videos of stranded passengers outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 circulate in news and social media sites.
Some of these passengers said to have bought tickets, but their flights were unceremoniously canceled. Others, on the other hand, fell prey to rumors that there are free domestic flights offered to those who want to go home to their provinces.
In a statement issued today by the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP), the group admits that the risks posed by the surge of travelers from Metro Manila to the provinces has been a major concern for the national government and the local government units (LGUs), so travel restrictions are strictly implemented.
ACAP assures though that they are working with the Department of Transportation, the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Manila International Airport Authority and other government agencies to find ways to expedite the mounting of additional flights. “The situation is very fluid as travel restrictions from the national and LGUs change as they manage the current public health situation. Flights are limited at the moment as airlines comply with these restrictions,” their statement reads.
In the meantime, the airlines “appeal to all their passengers to proceed to the airport only when they have confirmed flights.”
ACAP stresses that guests who arrive at the NAIA whose flights are cancelled or have a different travel date will not be allowed to enter the terminal by airport security. Similarly, those who are unable to present boarding documents at the terminal entrance will also not be allowed to enter the airport premises.
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The group also strongly urges their passengers to check the email address and mobile numbers provided for any changes in their flight schedules. Similarly, those who booked through travel agencies or asked others to book their flights should also check with their contacts for any updates.
ACAP provided a list of customer support for ACAP-Member airlines:
For guests booked with AirAsia Philippines, they may check their up-to-date flight status at airasia.com/flightstatus or reach out to the AirAsia support team via support.airasia.com or Emergency Hotline number (02)8722-2742.
For Cebu Pacific or Cebgo, guests may check their real-time flight status via https://bit.ly/
For Philippine Airlines and PAL Express passengers, they may check their up-to-date flight status through the Flight Status Tab in PAL's Website or their updated public advisories in PAL's official Facebook Page. They may also call PAL's hotlines (+632 88558888 or toll free number 1-800-I-FLYPAL) and press 2 (Arrival and Departure Information).
LSIs may also reach out to the NCR Crisis Intervention Unit Hotline at (02)8734-8635, the NAIA through text hotline 0917-8396242 or 0918-9186242, or call the voice hotline 88771-1111 for inquiries.
Travel reminders for passengers during GCQ
ACAP also issued the following reminders for passengers travelling during GCQ:
• All guests are reminded that necessary travel documents must be secured before proceeding to the airport for one’s confirmed flight.
• A Travel Authority or Travel Pass issued by the Joint Task Force COVID Shield, as well as a medical certificate from the municipal or city health office, is required to travel across provinces or regions.
• Other travel documents required by local government units (LGU) may be applicable. Guests are strongly advised to check with the LGU of their destination for local travel requirements.
ACAP appeals for cooperation and understanding from their guests “as we find ways to combat the spread of COVID-19, uphold the safety and wellbeing of guests, while ensuring smooth and safe travels.”
Airline members of ACAP have strictly implemented safety measures for their guests and crew. Travelers may read more on the safety measures implemented by the following airline members: AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Cebgo, and Philippine Airlines and PAL Express