BI sees a return to pre-pandemic level in number of travelers by year end

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco conducts inspection of operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3 in this file photo dated April 9, 2023. (Picture from Facebook page of Bureau of Immigration)

MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Immigration (BI) expects the number of passengers to increase in the next few weeks as Christmas season approaches.

The bureau projects a total of four million arrivals and 3.8 million departures for the fourth quarter of 2023.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the volume of passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport usually increases by an average of 6% to 10% during this period.

“We are close to seeing pre-pandemic figures in our arrivals and departures,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.

Meanwhile, at this time, the bureau is on heightened alert for travelers during in view of the holidays on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Tansingco said it has adequate manpower to keep up with the expected surge in passengers at the airports.

As previously practiced, employees during peak seasons like Undas are not allowed to go on vacation leaves.

The immigration chief said staff members are watching out for criminals who might take advantage of the influx of travelers.

The bureau is reminding passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight and proceed to the immigration area for check-in.

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