Airports on heightened alert for Holy Week

The Bohol-Panglao International Airport (LEO UDTOHAN / INQUIRER)

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Sunday said that all its 44 airports across the country are on heightened alert from March 24 to 31 as part of its preparations for the surge of Holy Week passenger volume.

CAAP said that its management has directed all service chiefs and airport managers to implement “24/7 operations, direct communication lines, and ‘no leave policy’ to ensure the safety, security, reliability, and comfort of passengers.”

It added that this move is in line with the Department of Transportation’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2024 which will run from Palm Sunday on March 24 to Easter Sunday on March 31.

“To accommodate the influx of passengers, ‘Malasakit’ help desks have been set up at the airports, and medical teams are on standby for emergencies,” it said in a statement.

CAAP previously explained that ‘Malasakit’ help desks serve as passenger assistance stations at its airports which are usually established during peak traveling seasons such as holidays and other occasions.

“CAAP, together with local authorities including PNP-Aviation Security Unit (AVSEU), Office of Transportation Security (OTS), Department of Tourism (DOT), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and airlines, have worked in coordination for efficient processing of passengers, especially at the check-in counters,” it added.

CAAP Spokesperson, Eric Apolonio earlier said that they are expecting an increase of seven to ten percent in passenger movement during this year’s Holy Week.

According to the Aerodrome Development and Management Service, CAAP’s airports recorded some 3.1 million passengers from March to April 2022 and 4.1 million travelers during the same period in 2023.