DOTr extends rental holiday for airport concessionaires

MANILA, Philippines — Rental fees of concessionaires across all airports managed by the government will remain free until the end of the month, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddess Libiran said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has instructed airport authorities to extend the “rental holiday” for airport concessionaires until the end of April.

Libiran said the rental holiday covers all airports managed by the government across the country.

Tugade last month instructed the Manila International Airport Authority, which operates the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), to extend to airport concessionaires rental holidays for one month and a deferral of rental charges on the succeeding month to cover the enhanced community quarantine period.

The DOTr has said that further extensions would be given if required, subject to regular monthly review.

Tugade said such initiatives are needed to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 on the country’s aviation industry and its stakeholders.

Luzon was placed under community quarantine since March 15, with the government extending the lockdown period until April 30.

CAAP, for its part, said its airports continue to provide technical and manpower support in carrying out continuous operations in air transport despite the Luzon-wide and provincial community quarantine.

“With a dedicated air traffic staff being in service round-the-clock, safeguarding the country’s air space amidst the quarantine and lockdown in their towers’ respective areas, stakeholder, and passengers can be assured that essential flights will proceed smoothly,” CAAP director general Jim Sydiongco said.

“CAAP will continue to do its best in providing its mandated service and in guaranteeing that we will support efforts in helping the nation in facing this health crisis,” Sydiongco said.