CAAP gearing up for holiday season passenger volume surge

Photo taken on December 22, 2023 shows passengers at the check-in counters at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. (AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has heightened its operational readiness in  anticipation of up to a 10 percent increase in  passengers this Christmas season.

According to the agency’s data, 2.4 million passengers travelled through the country’s airports from December 1 to 31, 2023; an increase from the 2.0 million passengers it logged during the same period in 2022.

“We are expecting a seven to 10-percent increase in passengers for this holiday [season],” CAAP told reporters in a Viber message on Tuesday.

Due to the expected passenger volume increase, Caap said  it will deploy security and medical personnel at help desks stationed in 44 CAAP-managed airports to assist travelers and respond to emergencies.

It added that the measures are part of Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2024 (Operation Safe Travels: Christmas 2024) from December 20, 2024 to January 3, 2025.

Caap is also working to streamline check-in procedures by working with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Tourism, the Philippine National Police, other attached agencies, local authorities and airlines.

CAAP reminded passengers to plan their trips ahead of time, coordinate with their airlines, take care of their belongings and follow airport regulations to ensure smooth holiday season travels.

“Our mission is to provide passengers with a seamless and efficient travel experience during this festive season,” CAAP Director General Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo said in a statement.

“Through strong collaboration with our partners and the implementation of stringent measures, we are steadfast in ensuring the highest standards of safety, security and convenience for all,” he added.