Amid the recent spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is considering reducing the existing cap on daily international passenger arrivals in the main gateways.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement he asked aviation sector officials to revisit, in coordination with other concerned agencies, the existing cap on daily passenger arrivals in the main gateways.
“ If there is a need to reduce the cap on passenger arrivals, then let us implement in coordination with concerned agencies. Revisit the existing cap. Let us make sure that the process is thoroughly observed and in everything we do, make sure that we ensure the protection of our kababayans,” Tugade said.
Currently, the government imposes a 4,000 daily cap on inbound international passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and 600 passenger cap at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Goddes Hope Libiran, DOTr assistant secretary, said the government has no decision yet if the passenger cap will revert to 2,000 at NAIA.
“The change/reduction in cap shall be discussed first with amongst concerned agencies.
The number shall be identified by the committee. No figure decided yet,” Libiran said.
Meanwhile, Tugade has ordered the implementation of strict health protocols in all transport sectors as the alert level status in Metro Manila is raised anew to 3 from January 3 to 15.
Under Alert Level 3, intrazonal and interzonal movement are allowed, but reasonable restrictions may be imposed by local government units.
Tugade mandated the aviation sector to strictly implement health protocols in all airports, and to coordinate with various airlines to ensure the observance of necessary protocols inside the cabin.
