Boracay Island: overcrowded beaches.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON
The Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Friday said it is ready to make adjustments in its flight operations in Caticlan Airport and Kalibo International Airport in light of the government’s impending decision to close down Boracay.
In a statement on Friday, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said should the Boracay shutdown is implemented, the airline company is ready to assist passengers in rebooking, refunding as well as rerouting their flights.
“Our adjustments will depend on the scope and duration of the Boracay closure, and we will also take into account the need to retain some flights to serve the residents and businesses in Kalibo and the rest of Aklan province,” Villaluna said.
“We also intend to help minimize any impact on tourism, our passengers and on our airline operations by redirecting flights to other routes where we can continue to promote domestic and international tourist travel for the Philippines, during the temporary closure period,” the spokeswoman said.
The airline would also issue necessary public advisories to inform travellers of any changes that may arise from the possible closure of the island resort.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation, pending any final government announcements, and coordinate with the Department of Tourism and the other concerned government agencies in support of the efforts to rehabilitate Boracay island,” Villaluna said.
READ: Gov’t panel recommends 6-month total closure of Boracay from April 26
The airline issued the statement after the inter-agency council tasked to handle issues about Boracay finalized its recommendation to totally close the resort island from local and foreign tourists for six months starting April 26.
Interior Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing III told Radyo Inquirer 990 AM that the recommendation was finalized after a meeting on Thursday night between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism and Department of the Interior and Local Government. /jpv