5 airports unable to resume flights due to lack of passengers

Of the 21 airports that were cleared to resume commercial flight operations, only five were unable to do so due to lack of passengers.

According to Eric Apolonio, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesman, local airlines have yet to mount flights to airports in Cauayan, Palanan, Jolo, Masbate and Ozamiz.

Apolonio said health issues may be the main concern and travelers to the five provinces were reluctant to fly despite the clearance issued by local government units (LGUs).

“I think this is the main reason (health issue). The airlines will not try to mount flights if there were no passengers there,” Apolonio said in an interview.

The other 16 airports that have resumed commercial flights are: Romblon, Naga, NAIA, Clark, Laguindingan, Dipolog, Pagadian, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Davao, General Santos, Puerto Princesa, Lrgazpi, San Jose, Virac and Basco.

The Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) and AirAsia Philippines had resume domestic flights on July 1.

However, the 16 airports that have actual scheduled flights were limited to arriving passengers because of health protocols.

Travelers who want to leave or go to provinces should get in touch with their respective airlines to confirm the schedule of flights.

Apolonio said travelers should also check with local authorities on whether there were additional travel requirements and limitations for arriving or departing passengers.

Apolonio added that most provincial airports only allowed locally stranded individuals, returning overseas Filipino workers, authorized persons outside residence, and those invited by the city or provincial government to take flights.

Other local airports reopening this month are Tacloban, Ormoc, Catbalogan, Catarman and Borongan — all on July 10.

Surigao and Siargao airports will resume operations in August and September respectively.