While ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel as the country’s civil aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said it has been working tirelessly to return to pre-pandemic levels of passenger and flight volume in the airports it operates.
According to CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio, Kalibo International Airport, for example, now serves direct flights to South Korea’s Incheon Airport from Air Seoul and T’way Air. And as of today, December 29, the airport has also commenced its direct flights to Taipei with Tigerair.
Loakan (Baguio) Airport has also resumed its commercial operations on 16 December, with Philippine Airlines offering flights from Cebu just in time for the Christmas season. Eastern Samar’s Borongan Airport has also resumed its commercial flights on 19 December and is now catering to Philippine Airlines flights to Manila via Cebu.
Puerto Princesa International Airport in the island province of Palawan, meanwhile, has also commenced international direct flights to Taipei via Tigerair on 28 December. The Tigerair A320 aircraft arrived at full capacity in Puerto Princesa with 175 passengers and a crew of seven.
All of these new flights and routes show how air travel is perking up and regaining pre-pandemic numbers in terms of passengers and flights, Apolonio added.
With these developments, the agency is committed to ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in the Philippines. This includes the maintenanace, management, and improvement of not only terminal operations, but also air navigation and air traffic control facilities. The agency is going full speed ahead in its efforts to provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient service to its passengers, stakeholders, and clients.
“We are determined to make things better in the aviation sector, The perking up of air travel is just one step towards the improvements that the Filipino people can expect from the government. We are committed to working hard to ensure that our airports and air traffic control systems meet international standards and that all aircraft operating in the Philippines are safe and well-maintained, ” said Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Director General of CAAP.
He added: “As the frequency of flights increases and health protocols continue to ease, CAAP expects passenger and flight volume to continue to increase in the coming year. The agency is committed to supporting the growth and development of the aviation industry in the Philippines, and is excited to see the industry making a strong recovery.” (JERRY S. TAN)
