23 airports allowed to accept flights

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-three airports have been allowed by their respective local government units (LGUs) to start accepting commercial flights.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) yesterday said that as of Sunday, airports in Antique, Borongan, Catbalogan, Cauayan, Clark, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Jolo, Laguindingan, Legazpi, Manila, Masbate, Naga, Ormoc, Pagadian, Palanan, Puerto Princesa, Romblon, Tacloban and Zamboanga were allowed to resume commercial operations.

Although flights will be allowed, some airports will be subjected to different documentary and passenger restrictions imposed by the LGUs.

CAAP said nine more airports are set to start accepting commercial flights.

The Catarman and Iloilo airports will accept flights starting today.

Airports in Basco, Busuanga, Butuan, Palawan and Virac will start on July 1; Surigao in August, and Siargao in September.

Based on CAAP’s list, 17 more airports are waiting for LGUs to allow resumption of commercial operations.

The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP), a group composed of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines, advised passengers to check with the local governments of their destinations for travel requirements.

Travel restrictions imposed by the national government as well as by LGUs change regularly due to the health crisis.

“This is why commercial flights remain limited at present,” ACAP said.