Local airlines have cancelled more flights because of the travel restrictions imposed by the Philippine government.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Friday the cancellation of several international flights “to comply with the continuing restrictions that limit the maximum number of passenger arrivals from international flights to 1,500 a day for all airlines combined into Manila until 8:00 a.m. of April 19.”
PAL said a total of 75 international flights from March 26 to April 5 were cancelled, including flights from Dammam, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Fukuoka, Dubai, and Hong Kong to Manila.
The flag carrier said it would continue to announce additional flight cancellations for the remainder of the period.
On March 23, budget carrier Cebu Pacific also announced the cancellation of a total of 36 domestic flights from March 25 to April 4, including flights from Manila to Boracay, Lagazpi, Cauayan, Cebu, Pagadian, Ozamiz, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Naga, and Virac.
“Due to the rising cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces, the Philippine government has implemented stricter guidelines in areas belonging in ‘NCR (National Capital Region) Plus’ until April 04, 2021. During this period, only essential travel is allowed in and out of Metro Manila,” Cebu Pacific noted.
Both PAL and Cebu Pacific advised affected passengers to rebook their flights, request refunds or store the amount of their tickets in a travel fund. — Arjay L. Balinbin
