MANILA- All airports in Luzon will stop catering to international flights—whether outbound or inbound—by Friday, March 20, as part of the “enhanced community quarantine” which aims to contain the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Transportation said Tuesday.

Transportation Undersecretary Raul del Rosario said travelers, including overseas Filipino workers, planning to exit or enter the Philippines through Luzon have until March 19 or 72 hours since the start of the implementation of the expanded quarantine on Tuesday to pursue their flights.

"Pag natapos na po 'yung 72-hour na extension, dito na po sila. Wala silang option dahil wala na po, kanselado na lahat ng flights domestic o international,” he said in a press briefing.

(After the 72-hour extension, they are forced to stay here. They have no choice because domestic and local flights will be canceled.)

He added that outbound international flights as of the moment are limited to those who will ferry foreigners that might get stuck in the Philippines.

Airports in Luzon catering international flights that will be affected by the protocol are the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, the Clark International Airport in Pampanga, and the Puerto Princesa Airport.

Government guidelines on the “enhanced community quarantine” also specified that inbound international passengers who are already in transit upon the effectivity of the enhanced community quarantine will be allowed entry subject to the quarantine procedures of health authorities.

Inbound flights throughout the quarantine period meanwhile will be limited for the repatriation efforts of Filipinos overseas.

The enhanced community quarantine for Luzon is effective starting midnight on Tuesday, March 17 until midnight on Monday, April 13.