CAAP places all its airports on heightened alert for holidays

This file photo shows passengers who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on their way to waiting buses. INQUIRER file photo / LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced on Sunday that all its airports are now on heightened alert in preparation for the influx of passengers during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

CAAP said it would add security measures and deploy more personnel in all 12 areas handling its airports “to ensure safe, reliable, and convenient airport operations as returning overseas Filipinos, civilians, and tourists travel for the holiday season.”

It added that the move is in line with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2023,” which is running from December 15 until January 3 next year.

“Concerned government agencies operating at the airports, including the Office of Transportation Security and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, will also deploy personnel in areas of concern to ensure smooth passenger flow while strictly implementing security and public safety protocols,” the statement reads.

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Aside from these, help desks have already been installed at passenger and departure areas to aid travelers with their concerns and queries.

Moreover, they also reminded the public not to bring prohibited items within the airports.

Citing its 2022 data, CAAP said its airports welcomed over two million domestic and international passengers and a total of 20.5 million passengers.