The Civil Aeronautics Board said Tuesday it issued the rules on tarmac delays amid complaints from airline passengers.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said he ordered CAB to issue rules on deplaning procedures after recent air events that caused inconvenience to passengers, who were made to stay inside an aircraft for more than four hours due to diversion of flights or other incidences.
Tarmac delay occurs while passengers are already on board the aircraft.
Under CAB Resolution 49, domestic flights must be done deplaning after three hours and international flights must be done deplaning after four hours.
“In cases where passengers cannot be deplaned at the said time frame, the air carrier shall have burden of proof and present adequate and reasonable evidence,” the resolution read.
Air carrier should also provide adequate food and potable water not later than two hours after delay.
“There should be operable lavatory facilities and medical attention when needed while aircraft is on tarmac,” the CAB resolution read.
CAB also said the airline should give status update announcements to passengers every 30 minutes starting from the first half hour of the delay.
“After deplaning, airlines must provide as much as practicable, accommodation, when necessary, food and communication services, and give timely and accurate update to passengers regarding status of their flights,” CAB said.
It also said air carriers should assign a point person or person of authority to monitor effects of delay, address passenger queries and provide passenger guidance on updates on status of delayed or cancelled flights.
The resolution is set to be published on Aug. 31 and would be effective 15 days after.