CAAP on heightened alert for holiday rush

MANILA, Philippines — Starting today, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will be on heightened alert in anticipation of the expected surge in the number of passengers at the airports during the holiday season.

The Department of Transportation has ordered CAAP to implement “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2018” until Jan. 5 next year.

“To ensure safe, reliable and convenient airport operations as Filipinos and tourists travel for the Christmas and New Year, the aviation authority will put in place security measures and will be deploy more personnel,” the agency said.

The four area cluster heads handling the 40 CAAP-managed commercial airports nationwide were also advised to implement a “no leave, no day-off” policy during the period.

The CAAP said concerned government agencies operating at the airports, including the Office of Transportation Security and Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, would deploy additional personnel to ensure the safety of the travelers.

“The CAAP is coordinating with the airlines to speed up the processing of passengers, especially at check-in counters. Travelers are also reminded not to bring prohibited items to the airport and to stow their belongings in one carry-on baggage for faster processing at the screening checkpoints,” the agency said.

The CAAP said there has been an increase in the number of passengers at the airports during the holiday season.

In December last year, the agency said Philippine airports welcomed some 6.342 million domestic and international travelers.

Of the number, 3.787 million passengers arrived and departed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.– Rudy Santos