Airport regulator expects 5.8M passengers in coming days
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) on Sunday implemented a “heightened alert status” across all the country’s airports in preparation for the expected surge in passengers this coming All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on Nov. 1 and 2.
In a statement, the agency said at least 5.8 million travelers were expected to pass through the country’s airports from October to November this year, which is 7- to 10-percent higher compared to the 4.8 million passengers recorded last year.
“We have directed all area managers to prepare for and strictly implement the necessary safety and security measures during the expected passenger surge this ‘Undas,’ to ensure smooth operations and passenger convenience,” said Caap Director General, retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario.
According to Caap, security personnel in airports will remain “on heightened alert” to ensure passenger safety and maintain order, while medical teams will be on standby to provide immediate assistance should there be any emergencies.
Help desks have also been placed in all airports to assist travelers with their concerns, the agency said.
Coordinated effort
Caap added that it is also coordinating with airlines and other agencies such as the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Unit, Office of Transportation Security, Department of Tourism and Civil Aeronautics Board to ensure the efficient processing of passengers, especially at check-in counters.
Earlier, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, together with Caap officials and other airport authorities, also conducted an inspection of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 in preparation for the upcoming commemoration of Undas.
Lopez had said in a statement that the airport has been equipped with interruptible power supply units for its communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management, assuring the public that an airspace shutdown due to a severe power outage would not happen again.
