The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said it is bracing for an influx of airport passengers going to the provinces due to the upcoming holidays.
The government earlier declared three non-working holidays on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 and 2.
The CAAP also said commercial airports are currently on heightened alert status due to a bomb joke incident at the Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Daraga, Albay which affected several flights.
A Cebu Pacific flight at the BIA, which was set to leave for Manila, had requested security assistance due to a bomb joke, the CAAP said.
The CAAP also said that the security measures will be maintained to ensure the safety of all passengers and those going to the airports.
Under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 17 Standard 4.4 airport security personnel on duty shall ensure that passengers and their baggage are screened thoroughly prior to boarding an aircraft.
The CAAP said it is guided by the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista’s “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.”
To further ensure safe, secured, reliable, and convenient air travel for passengers, all 12 Area Managers handling CAAP-operated airports with commercial flights nationwide shall ensure the observance of maximum deployment of service and security personnel.
Due to this, a “no leave” policy will be enforced during the entire duration of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.
Aside from these measures, CAAP, together with local authorities including PNP-AVSEU, OTS, DOT, CAB, and airlines, are working in coordination for efficient processing of passengers, especially at the check-in counters.
CAAP requested additional deployment of personnel from airline stakeholders to accommodate the increase in travelers.
Malasakit Help Desks and hotlines manned by duty officers are also set up to accommodate passenger concerns.
CAAP reminds all passengers who will be traveling internationally to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight to avoid any inconvenience.