THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is now on heightened alert status in preparation for the expected surge in passenger traffic in the country’s airports as people rush to various destinations for their annual holiday sojourn.
The heightened operational readiness will be implemented in all 44 CAAP-managed airports to address the anticipated heavy passenger volume. This measure is also aligned with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2024, which will run during the Christmas and New Year holidays, or from December 20, 2024, to January 3, 2025.
“Our mission is to provide passengers with a seamless and efficient travel experience during this festive season. Through strong collaboration with our partners and the implementation of stringent measures, we are steadfast in ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and convenience for all,” said CAAP Director General Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo.
Malasakit Help Desks will also be available at all airports to assist travelers, while security personnel and medical teams will remain on heightened alert and are placed on standby to address any emergencies.
CAAP will closely collaborate with the DOTr, local authorities, and key agencies, including the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Unit (PNP-AVSEU), Office of Transportation Security (OTS), Department of Tourism (DOT), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and airline operators in order to streamline check-in procedures for greater efficiency and security.
The agency also issued several reminders to make the public’s travel a pleasurable experience:
• Follow regulations to avoid delays, including rules on prohibited items.
• Monitor belongings at all times.
• Avoid making bomb jokes, which can result in flight disruptions and severe legal consequences.
• Plan your trip ahead of time and coordinate with your airline. Arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure to ensure a smoother journey during the busy holiday season.
In 2022, CAAP reported a total of 2 million passengers for the period of December 1–31, which marked a holiday peak higher than the 785,910 passengers recorded for January 1–31. The following year, passenger numbers showed significant growth with 2.4 million passengers from December 1–31 and 2.3 million passengers from January 1–31.
With this trend of increasing air travel, CAAP is fully committed to ensuring safe and hassle-free journeys for all travelers this holiday season.