MANILA – All 41 Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)-operated airports are ready to accommodate commercial flights, CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said Monday.
In a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency, Apolonio said while CAAP airports are ready to accommodate flights, this would still be subject to the approval of local government units (LGUs).
"It needs to be in coordination among the airlines, LGUs, and the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases)," he said.
The IATF allows flights between areas under general community quarantine, provided that these are approved by the LGUs.
Apolonio noted that every LGU has a different set of requirements, as well as document/s being asked from the passengers.
In a letter to CAAP director-general Jim Sydiongco on June 10, the city government of Puerto Princesa said it would allow the resumption of flights for returning overseas Filipinos, locally stranded individuals, authorized persons outside of residence, and those invited by the city or provincial government.
"All passengers must obtain health certificate from the concerned LGU, and travel authority from the local Philippine National Police," the letter stated.
A letter from the Office of the City Mayor of Legazpi, Albay, addressed to Legazpi Airport terminal manager last June 13, also indicated guidelines.
Among the protocols included scheduling of flights: four times a week for Cebu Pacific (Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturdays, Sundays), and four times per week as well for Philippine Airlines (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays).
Aside from Legazpi Airport and Puerto Princesa International Airport, 18 other CAAP-operated airports are currently accepting commercial flights.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Clark International Airport, and Mactan-Cebu International Airport are also currently accepting commercial flights, but these are not being managed by the CAAP.
The airports in Catarman and Iloilo are set to allow commercial flights by June 16, based on CAAP's data.
Seventeen other airports in the country are not yet allowing commercial flight operations.
The number includes Caticlan Airport, which has a private operator, according to Apolonio.
Seven other airports are set to resume commercial flight operations between July 1 to September 1.
As part of the "new normal", Apolonio said CAAP airports have foot baths, and thermal screening would be implemented.
"(Airport) front-liners also wear PPE (personal protective equipment), and plexiglass were also in place to avoid direct contact," he said. (PNA)
CAAP airports ready for commercial flights
By Ma. Cristina Arayata
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