MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific will resume domestic flight services starting Wednesday following the easing of coronavirus restrictions in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
In a televised public briefing Tuesday, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said their initial flights include routes to Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, and Cagayan de Oro.
“Pero at this very moment nakatanggap tayo ng balita na may additional travel requirements na hinihingi ang Cebu at Dumaguete Stations. So antabayanan po natin ang anunsyo hinggil sa mga biyaheng ito, but so far, simula na po yung domestic flights tomorrow,” Villaluna said.
Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific announced over the weekend that it will resume operations on June 3, with a limited number of domestic flights expected off Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
In compliance with health and safety protocols, the airlines said “new normal” practices will be implemented to protect their respective passengers and crew.
Passengers are reminded to wear face masks or facial coverings at all times – at the airport and also throughout their flights.
All aircraft and facilities will undergo intensive disinfection while cabin crew will wear personal protective equipment.
Passengers are likewise encouraged to arrive early at the airport to allocate at least three hours prior to departure for domestic flights, and 4 hours prior to departure for international flights.
“I-expect na po na mas matagal at may pila, pakonti-konti ang boarding,” Villaluna said.
“Because we have physical distancing, checking and boarding will take longer,” Cebu Pacific spokesperson Charo Logarta-Lagamon also said.
Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific passengers are urged to take a meal before boarding as the budget airline won’t serve in-flight food and drinks so passengers won’t need to remove their masks.