The Bureau of Immigration (BI) expects an influx of tourist arrivals and returning Filipinos this holiday season compared to the same period last year, due to the easing of travel restrictions as COVID-19 cases continue to decline.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the bureau is expecting an average of up to 35,000 passengers daily arrival this holiday season, saying the daily arrival and outbound passengers at the country’s premiere international airport, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have already reached 29,000 on the first week of December this year.
“The number of arrivals and even departures are slowly on the rise. This is the result of the lifting of travel restrictions,” Sandoval said. “We expect that to increase this December up to January which we consider as peak season for travelers.”
To ensure the smooth flow of arriving and departing passengers, the BI has deployed a rapid response team to augment manpower at immigration counters in NAIA and other international airports in the country.
Sandoval said this will ease the long queues for arriving and departing passengers while also cutting immigration processing time from the usual 45 seconds to just eight seconds.
Immigration personnel are not allowed to file leaves during the holiday season for maximum deployment.
Meanwhile, airport authorities have assured travelers they are doing what they can to address the congestion in the country’s main gateway.
The Manila International Airport Authorities said they recently implemented terminal reassignments for some airlines to accommodate the influx of passengers this holiday season.
BI deputy spokesperson Melvin Mabulac meanwhile said long lines cannot be avoided with the influx passengers.
He disclosed this as the traveling public, including Sen. Grace Poe, have complained about the long immigration lines at the NAIA.
Poe earlier said she is seeking immediate improvements in NAIA.
Airport authorities have assured travelers they are doing what they can to address the congestion in the country’s main gateway.
The Manila International Airport Authorities said they recently implemented terminal reassignments for some airlines to accommodate the influx of passengers this holiday season.
Mabulac also said that all immigration counters are manned.
NAIA was recently ranked as the third most stressful airport in Asia and Oceania, based on data collected by travel blog Hawaiian Islands.
During this holiday season, Mabulac recommend getting to the airport earlier than normal.
“To our traveling public, be early at the airport. At the same time, for travel advisory updates, please visit our website,” he said.
