Airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines were placed under heightened alert in anticipation of the volume surge of air travelers during the Christmas and New Year season.
This is in line with the directives of the Department of Transportation’s “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2019,” which is running from Dec. 16 to Jan. 5, 2020.
CAAP chief information officer and spokesperson Eric Apolonio said security measures and maximum deployment of service and security personnel are now being observed at the airports to ensure safe, reliable, and convenient airport operations as Filipinos and tourists travel for the holiday season.
He said in line with this measure, all 12 area centers of the 40 CAAP-managed commercial airports nationwide are also implementing a “no leave and day-off” policy during the period of heightened security.
Concerned government agencies operating at the airports, including the Office of Transportation Security and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group will also deploy personnel at areas of concern to ensure smooth passenger flow.
Meanwhile, in an effort to ensure convenient and safe travels for the riding public, CAAP, in coordination with DOTr and its attached agencies in the aviation sector, has launched an intensified activation of the Malasakit Help Desks stationed in its airports. The help desks will serve as a one-stop shop for passenger assistance in airports.
The CAAP also coordinated with concerned airlines on the efficient processing of passengers, especially at check-in counters. Travelers are also reminded not to bring prohibited items to the airport and to stow all belongings in one’s carry-on baggage for faster processing at the screening checkpoints.
The CAAP has regularly prepared for the increase in passenger influx during the holiday season, which is expected to rise by 8 percent yearly. On Dec. 1 to 31 last year, CAAP airports welcomed 2.4-million domestic and international passengers and a total of 24.9-million passengers for 2018.