THE Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), has resumed its thrice weekly flights to Bangkok, and weekly flights to Fukuoka and Jakarta, in time for the easing of Philippine arrival quarantine restrictions and reopening of borders for tourists this month.
The IATF has recently revised the entry and quarantine protocols for international arrivals to the Philippines, temporarily suspending its country classification restrictions (listing countries under green, yellow, and red categories). Based on these guidelines, fully vaccinated passengers from visa-free countries can visit the for business or leisure purposes, and are no longer required to observe mandatory facility-based quarantine upon arrival, as long as they present a negative RT-PCR test result taken 48 hours prior arrival.
“This development will benefit the tourism industry across the Philippines as we welcome vaccinated travelers from around the world to explore our beautiful shores. We laud the Department of Tourism for actively pushing for our country to start accepting foreign tourists again, and we will support this initiative however we can,” said Xander Lao, Chief Commercial Officer at Cebu Pacific.
Cebu Pacific also plans to resume its flights to other international routes from Manila next month, specifically Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) on March 1 (Tuesday); and Taipei on March 2 (Saturday).
The UAE authorities have also lifted capacity restrictions on the Dubai-Manila route, enabling CEB to resume its daily flight frequency beginning March 1 (Tuesday).
“We continue to bank on the rebound of domestic tourism this year while remaining agile in addressing demand for international travel as well. We are encouraged that with these positive indicators, more OFWs can also fly back home easily and safely to their families,” added Lao.
Passengers are reminded to ensure their requirements are complete prior to the day of travel. Everyjuan is advised to input their own contact details on their bookings to ensure timely receipt of important reminders, flight changes, and the like.
CEB will provide updates on travel requirements via bit.ly/CEBTravelRequirements as soon as the airline receives them.
CEB operates with 100% vaccinated active flying crew. Our pilots and cabin crew undergo regular antigen testing (Test Before Duty) before they are assigned to operate flights. CEB has already started its booster program to ensure the continued safety of its employees and passengers.
The airline has also been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance as it continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, in accordance with global aviation standards. This includes daily extensive cleaning and disinfection protocols for all aircraft and facilities, and contactless flight procedures. Its jet fleet is equipped with hospital grade HEPA (High Efficiency Particular Arrestor) air filters, keeping viruses at bay.
CEB operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines covering 31 destinations, on top of its 15 international destinations. It has a 74-strong fleet, one of the youngest in the world, which includes two (2) dedicated ATR freighters. (Baby Cuevas)