(PNA photo by Cristina Arayata)
MANILA – Local carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and AirAsia Philippines announced Tuesday the increased frequencies of several of their domestic routes this month.
PAL, in an advisory, said flights between Manila and Bacolod will be five times daily starting April 8, from the current thrice a day. From once a week, flights between Manila and Basco, Batanes will also be increased to twice weekly starting April 11.
Flights between Cebu and Bacolod were operating thrice weekly in March but has been increased to four times weekly in April.
"These additional flight frequencies provide our passengers the flexibility to choose from a wider selection of schedules," PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told the Philippine News Agency.
Villaluna added that despite the lowered Covid-19 alert levels in the country, the highest standards of safety protocols must remain to be observed on every PAL flight.
"The mask mandate remains in place on board our flights. Regular disinfection of aircraft surfaces is carried out after every flight," she said.
In a separate advisory, AirAsia Philippines said in anticipation of passenger influx during Holy Week, it has increased the flight frequencies of a number of its destinations.
Caticlan has increased to 41 times weekly from 34 in March; Iloilo from 14 to 28; Tacloban from 23 to 28; Tagbilaran from 14 to 18.
Weekly flights to Bacolod have been increased to 18 from 11; Puerto Princesa from nine to 10; Davao from 11 to 14; Cagayan from nine to 11; Kalibo from 11 to 18; and Cebu from 21 to 26.
“We recognize the significance of the Holy Week celebration for Filipinos. As our Catholic brothers and sisters observe this religious practice, we at AirAsia continue to offer a safe and attainable travel experience essential for those flying to their provinces this holiday season. We commit not only to the highest health standards, but also to the highest security protocols especially now that all destinations in the country have relaxed interzonal travel regulations,” AirAsia spokesperson Steve Dailisan said.
The carrier reiterated that guests are advised to be at the airport three hours before their flight to allot time for check-in procedures. (PNA)
