(File photo)
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday said all agencies and stakeholders involved in airport operations must work together to resolve long queues of passengers.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco made the statement after receiving reports of long queues at immigration counters, even after flights have returned to normal operations following the technical issue at the country's air traffic management system on New Year's Day.
“All counters were manned, but the lines remained long. While passengers were processed expeditiously, more can be done to improve this,” the BI chief said.
Tansingco also sought the collaboration of airline companies by regulating the influx of passengers through proper scheduling.
“This is a joint concern that we must all address in all aspects. We believe that by working together, this concern can be resolved,” he said.
Tansingco also expressed support for the plan to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and opening of new airports.
“As we open our borders, we should innovate in anticipation of the rebound of international tourism,” he added.
He admitted that they have reached the maximum capacity of counters at the airport, and have even assigned two to four immigration officers to counters in certain terminals.
“It’s already a space problem. We can add so many officers, but if the space is limited, then there will still be lines,” he said. (PNA)
