Airlines transfer P277M in unrefunded terminal fees to MIAA

More than P277 million in unrefunded terminal fees have been transferred to the Manila International Airport Authorities (MIAA) by various airline companies.

MIAA assured the public on Wednesday that the P277,654,379 unrefunded terminal fees “remain intact” in the office of the agency.

“The amount is kept by MIAA in a trust account and is distinct and separate from the agency’s corporate funds. The money does not belong to MIAA,” MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal said in a statement.

“It will remain in the trust account until fully refunded to the passengers who own them,” said Monreal.

Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) urged airport authorities and airline companies to refund at least P500 million in terminal fees and travel taxes collected from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)

READ: DOLE to CAAP: Refund P500M worth of travel taxes, terminal fees to OFWs

Monreal said unrefunded terminal fees and unused tickets collected by Cebu Pacific and CebGo airlines total P172,333,700 million.

Meanwhile, international terminal fees collected by 18 international airlines from passengers total P105,320,679 million.

Monreal reminds OFWs who intend to collect their unrefunded terminal fees to present a copy of their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and ticket among others.

Meanwhile, non-OFW passengers may refund their terminal fees by showing their ticket or proof of purchase and ownership or a certification from the airline proving that they have missed their flights. /muf