MANILA, Philippines – Airline companies operating domestic flights will no longer be required to reserve a portion of the aircraft cabin as an isolation area for passengers showing symptoms of novel coronavirus disease, the government’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) leading the COVID-19 response said.

In a resolution approved on Thursday, the IATF said this measure “shall no longer be mandated to be part of the COVID-19 health protocols for domestic flights.”

The lifting of this requirement was upon the recommendation of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

The IATF also directed local government units (LGU) to relax entry protocols such as test-upon-arrival requirement imposed upon airline crew layovers/positioning due to emergency situations which include typhoons, volcanic activities, diversions and emergency landings, and other similar unforeseen and time-sensitive evacuations.

Airline crew members are also permitted to temporarily billet in accommodation establishments under a “bubble” concept supervised by the LGUs.

“For this purpose, the DILG is instructed to coordinate with all LGUs to align their health entry protocols for this limited purpose. The CAAP is likewise instructed to supervise and police the implementation of these activities,” the resolution read.

The IATF also authorized the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to set up a corporate jet flight maintenance and crew layover hub at the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone under a strict “bubble” concept.

MANILA, Philippines — In line with the government-imposed modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) cancelled all its regular scheduled domestic flights to and from Manila from August 4 to 18.

Meanwhile, all domestic flights between Clark, Cebu, Davao and cities other than Manila are not affected and shall remain operational, according to PAL.

International flights to and from Manila shall continue to operate, subject to further guidelines from the authorities in line with quarantine capacity and related arrangements.

Passengers of affected flights have the  options to rebook, refund or convert their ticket into a travel voucher, PAL said.

“We seek the understanding and full cooperation of our passengers as we make these necessary changes to comply with the government directives, and above all to support public safety,” the company asked its clients.

For updates and inquiries, PAL encourages its clients to visit its website at www.philippineairlines.com.  

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Davao International Airport reopened on Monday (June 8) for domestic flights but under strict health safety protocols. 

Locally-stranded individuals (LSIs) are required to present a medical certificate and travel pass from the Philippine National Police (PNP) upon check in.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFW), meanwhile, are required to present their Bureau of Quarantine certificate, proof of residence, valid passport and medical test result.

Business travellers and those considered as authorized persons outside residence (APOR) will be asked to present either a certificate of employment or company ID along with a medical certificate and a PNP travel pass.

Leisure trips or tours are still not allowed. 

Pregnant women, passengers who are 21 years old and below, and seniors who are 70 years old and above will not be allowed to board.

As part of the safety protocols, passengers will be required to go through a sanitation booth and thermal scanning at the entrance of the airport terminal. 

Physical distancing is strictly being implemented with the airport premises and inside the aircraft thus only a limited number of passengers will be accommodated. MNP (with reports from Mirasol Montaño)