MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier, said it expects to resume its normal operations by midday Tuesday (Dec. 9)
“Several aircraft that were ferried to different provincial stations to escape typhoon Ruby’s winds will begin to fly back to Manila starting at 7:00 a.m.,” PAL said in a statement.
The announcement came as Tropical Depression Ruby (international name: Hagupit), which was downgraded from the tropical storm category, continues to travel westward. Ruby is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday.
Philippine Airlines. FILE PHOTO
PAL said its international flights will be following its original schedule while its aircraft positioned in local airports – such as Laoag, Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Tuguegarao, Surigao and Cebu – returned to Manila on Tuesday morning carrying stranded passengers.
Tacloban an exemption
The airline, however, said that it will not be able to fly to Tacloban on Tuesday because of the government’s decision to prioritize relief operations in the city.
“On Dec. 10, PAL plans to operate three Manila-Tacloban-Manila flights using turboprop aircraft while the airport and passenger terminal undergoes repair,” it said.
Tacloban and the rest of Eastern Visayas are among the worst-hit by Ruby, which made its first landfall in Eastern Samar on Saturday (Dec. 6).
Because of the onslaught of Ruby, PAL was forced to cancel more than 110 flights since Dec. 6.
The company said passengers with canceled flights may rebook their flights within 30 days. Fees and charges will be waived.
“If passenger is unable to rebook on the same fare class, rebooking on a higher booking class will be allowed, with fare difference also waived,” PAL said.
Passengers may reach the airlines by calling 855-8888 or visiting its website www.philippineairlines.com.
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