PHILIPPINE Airlines cancelled 699 flights resulting in losses amounting to $18.7 million during the first two days of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation event this week, an airline spokesperson said Tuesday.
“The loss revenue as a result of the cancellation of flights within Apec week reached $18.75 million. Our revenues per day, on a full run, is $7.5 million if we fully operate 260 plus flight a day,” said Villaluna in a radio interview.
She, however, said the long term benefits of Apec in the country “outweigh these losses.”
The flag carrier and other airlines announced last week the cancellation of Nov. 16 to 20 scheduled domestic and international flights to give way for the arrival and departure of heads of states participating in the Apec Summit in Manila.
On the said schedules, 115 affected PAL domestic flights are—to and from Davao, Legazpi, Caticlan, Davao, Busuanga, Cebu, Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro, Naga, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Laoag, Dumaguete, Tuguegarao, Tagbilaran and General Santos.
More than 90 international flights were also cancelled: between Manila and Tokyo, Xiamen, Nagoya, Sydney, Jinjiang, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Honolulu, Saigon, Beijing, Taipei, Busan, Seoul, Dammam, Jakarta, Fukuoka and Narita.
The cancellation came after the Manila International Airport Authority issued an advisory that there will be periodic temporary runway closures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport during the arrival and departure of Apec delegates.
In its advisory, the PAL management sought understanding from affected passengers, stressing the need to give way to the arrival and departure of Apec leaders during which runway closures will be in effect.
It also assured affected passengers that their flights will be rescheduled and they will be informed of their new flight timings through e-mail, phone call or text. Passengers also have the option to rebook to the flight date of their choice within 30 days from their original schedule, with rebooking and penalty charges waived.
The new flight schedule must fall within the ticket’s validity period. Refunding of tickets is also an option.
Cebu Pacific also cancelled several flights while Cathay Pacific and Eva Air lines made some changes on flight schedules between Nov. 16 to Nov. 21 because of the event.
“We hope for our guests’ understanding as there may be flight schedule changes throughout the duration of the APEC Meeting in Manila. CEB will provide updates as soon as they are available,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline said affected passengers may avail full refund or travel fund, or rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from original departure date.
“Our reservation hotlines are currently receiving a high volume of calls. Guests who do not need to urgently travel on the affected dates are advised to call after November 20, 2015 (Friday),” it stated.
Guests who are unable to show up for their flights between Nov. 16 to 20 may avail themselves of a full refund or travel fund without penalties.