CAAP braces for influx of Holy Week travelers

MANILA, Philippines —The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is bracing for the influx of passengers in airports this Holy Week.

The CAAP said added security measures would be in place to ensure safe, reliable and convenient operations at all commercial airports in the country from April 10 to 18.

Maximum deployment of service and security personnel across the 42 CAAP-managed airports with commercial flights nationwide is also being ensured.

The CAAP said coordination has been made with airlines and local authorities regarding the efficient processing of passengers, especially at the check-in counters.

It said additional airline personnel would be deployed as needed to accommodate the increase in travelers.

Malasakit Help Desks manned by duty officers will also be set up to accommodate passenger concerns.

With the current easing of travel restrictions, the CAAP is preparing for a possible surge in the demand for travel.

Commercial airports operated by CAAP welcomed a total of 231,479 passengers during last year’s Lenten season, still way below the passenger volume of 2.75 million recorded in 2019.

In line with the travel demand this coming Holy Week, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said it has increased the number of flights on several domestic routes.

Starting yesterday, flight frequency between Manila and Bacolod was increased to five times daily from thrice daily, while flight frequency between Cebu and Bacolod is now at four times weekly from thrice weekly.

The frequency of PAL flights from Manila to Basco, Legazpi, Busuanga, Tagbilara and Siargao will also be in increased in the coming days.

Meanwhile, low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines made its inaugural flight to Dumaguete yesterday, serving as its 15th domestic destination.

Initially, AirAsia is will fly to Dumaguete City four times weekly – every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. – Rudy Santos