Bag handling system at Naia T3 bogs down

TECHNICAL ISSUE Cebu Pacific has apologized to passengers whose baggage were left behind at the airport after the bag handling system conked out. —Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Over 800 pieces of luggage have been left behind by departing passengers of Cebu Pacific flights at Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) after the 20-year-old baggage handling system malfunctioned.

The low-cost carrier, in a message to the media on Tuesday, said the baggage handling system has been having technical issues since Oct. 18.

This resulted in 821 bags being left behind at Naia Terminal 3 based on the airline company’s latest report.

Cebu Pacific apologized to affected passengers and said a team had been created to respond to their concerns.

READ: Naia transformation gets off the ground

Passengers’ options

It added that for domestic flights, passengers were given the choice of having their bags delivered to their destination or picking them up at the airport.

“For international flights, a similar option was available along with delivery services for passengers with onward destinations,” it added.

The low-cost carrier said its teams were “doing everything in their power to expedite baggage deliveries and ensure all affected passengers are assisted promptly.”

It added that it was working with the airport caretaker, the San Miguel Corp.-led New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC), to restore normal operations.

“We understand the inconvenience this has caused and appreciate our passengers’ patience and understanding,” Cebu Pacific said.

Proactive measures

Another airline firm, AirAsia Philippines, said it had deployed additional ground operation personnel to respond to baggage handling concerns.

“Because of our proactive measures, we have not encountered delays in baggage handling so far,” said Steve Dailisan, airline head of communications and public affairs.

In a statement on Tuesday, the NNIC said the incident “underscored the urgent need to upgrade Naia’s aging infrastructure.”

Upgrading the 20-year-old baggage handling system of the country’s primary gateway was one of its promised deliverables when it took over the operations and maintenance of Naia last month.

The Naia caretaker said it had already procured a new and advanced system to avoid future disruptions.

The consortium led by tycoon Ramon Ang also plans to install better self-check-in and self-bag-drop counters to make travel more convenient for passengers.

In the immediate term, the company will install new toilets and refurbish existing ones, expand additional seating capacity, and install more air-conditioning units.

Terminal 4 is set to undergo renovation and safety upgrades starting next month, which are targeted for completion by February next year. All flights being operated from this hub will be transferred in the meantime to Terminal 2.