BOARDING | Passengers line up at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 to check in for their respective flights out of the country. (FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — Local airlines are no longer requiring their passengers to wear masks during flights after the Department of Transportation lifted this health protocol in line with the lifting of the COVID-19 state of public health emergency.
“This new development is a significant step toward normalizing public transportation and supporting economic recovery,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines, in separate advisories on Monday, said they were ready to follow the recent order, noting that other health protocols were still in place for passenger safety.
“This is a significant sign of the normalization of air travel and proof that the Philippines is open for business and tourism,” said PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna.
Still optional
Airlines assured passengers that aircraft surfaces are disinfected after every flight and that high-efficiency particulate air filters to cleanse the air from airborne particles such as bacteria and viruses are in place.
“There is no room for complacency in the airline business. We want our guests to feel secure when they fly with AirAsia. Although it is no longer a policy, guests, and crew may still opt to wear face masks whenever they deem necessary,” said AirAsia Philippines spokesperson Steve Dailisan.