MANILA – An official of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Tuesday said 2 to 2.5 million passengers are expected to use the country's airports this December.
"Because of the increase in passengers due to the holiday season, we are expecting passenger volume to reach 2 to 2.5 million," said CAAP Deputy Director General Danjun Lucas at a public briefing.
CAAP currently operates 42 airports across the country. Airports in Baguio and Borongan are set to operate this month.
Lucas reported that CAAP airports have already welcomed 16 million passengers from January to October this year. "CAAP is expecting the total number of passengers in 2022 to reach 20 million," he said.
The official said that due to the expected surge in passenger volume, CAAP's primary mandate is to ensure the safety of the airports and passengers.
"Malasakit Help Desks have been activated so passengers could raise their issues and concerns there," he added.
Lucas said that in coordination with the Civil Aeronautics Board, whose mandate is to ensure the implementation of the Passenger Bill of Rights, passengers may reach out to the help desks for any concerns.
Meanwhile, Lucas shared that the establishment and improvement of other airports are also in the pipeline.
The CAAP sees that a new airport in Bukidnon will open in two years. A new passenger terminal building and an extension of the runway in Tacloban Airport, on the other hand, are being built to accommodate international operations.
Other airports that are currently being improved are those in Antique, Iloilo, Laguindingan, Busuanga and Siargao, he said. (PNA)
