MANILA – At least 7 to 10 percent increase in air passenger volume is expected during “Undas” compared to the previous year, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Monday.
CAAP operates 44 airports, which had 2.1 million passengers from October to November 2023.
With the expected influx, the CAAP said all airport managers were directed to ensure continuous operations, adding that the safety and security of passengers are top priorities.
Help desks are in place and security and medical teams are on standby.
The CAAP urges passengers to comply with rules and avoid bringing prohibited items. It also reminded passengers that bomb jokes are strictly prohibited.
Passengers are also encouraged to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their schedule, and to coordinate with airlines.
The airport’s operator, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) on Monday said it is urging airlines to open their check-in counters early to reduce queuing period during peak hours.
“A comprehensive review of ground handler and airline equipment deployment is ongoing to make sure sufficient serviceable equipment is available to manage baggage and passenger flow efficiently,” it said in a news release.
The NNIC said more parking spaces would be opened at Terminal 3, adding that it is in talks with transportation providers to increase vehicle availability.
Meanwhile, additional manpower and security will deployed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
In previous interviews with the Philippine News Agency, both the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit (AVSEU) and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) cited efforts to heighten security during the holiday break.
About 100 more AVSEU personnel at NAIA will be deployed to support mobile patrol and police visibility inside and outside the airport terminals.
The OTS will activate 24/7 its Transportation Security Operations Center to assist passengers with security concerns and for timely reporting of incidents.
BI augments manpower
The Bureau of Immigration (BI), meanwhile, will deploy additional personnel to international airports and seaports for the ‘Undas’ exodus.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, in a news release, said the 58 new immigration officers (IOS) who are expected to graduate on Tuesday will augment the bureau’s manpower for the observance.
On the other hand, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval noted that “a full manpower complement” will be implemented this weekend at the immigration counters at the airport to serve the arriving and departing passengers.
There are more than 3, 000 BI personnel nationwide, around 1, 800 of which are manning international airports and seaports.
Meanwhile, Viado commended 32 IOs at the NAIA for extending their shifts during Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, ensuring continuous service.
“Their dedication has helped minimize disruptions to passengers during a period of heightened uncertainty and travel delays,” he added.
The bureau also advised travelers to be at the airport early, as they expect more passengers in the coming days due to rescheduled flights. (With Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)