Local airlines yesterday have started to normalize air travel in compliance with the lifting of the face mask mandate, but they will continue to comply with coronavirus-related protocols imposed by specific countries.
This follows the national government’s decision to lift the state of public health emergency under Presidential Proclamation 297, supported by the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Department Order 2023-017.
As the DOTr order lifted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) protocols in all public transportation including aviation, passengers of Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific (CEB) and AirAsia Philippines are no longer required to wear face masks on their flights.
“We assure despite the removal of existing COVID-19 protocols, we will continue to observe safety procedures such as disinfection of aircraft surfaces after every flight and the use of HEPA filters and an advanced airflow system inside the aircraft cabin to help mitigate any potential health risks,” PAL said.
The airline also said it will continue to comply with any COVID-related regulations imposed by specific countries.
Effective July 24, CEB will no longer require its passengers to wear face masks on their flights. Still, CEB said passengers are advised to continue practicing minimum health standards such as washing of hands, disinfecting and physical distancing when necessary.
“Passengers are also encouraged to check in online to maintain contactless flight procedures and avoid queuing in the airport check-in counters. Go straight to the gate or proceed to our self-bag tag kiosks before dropping bags off,” the airline added.
AirAsia Philippines has announced that wearing of face masks will no longer be implemented on all domestic flights.
However, wearing face masks for international destinations shall remain subject to the existing health protocols in the destination country, the airline said.
AirAsia destinations Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have lifted the face mask requirement as early as the first quarter of 2023.
Despite dropping the face mask policy, AirAsia Philippines said it remains committed to adhering to the highest standards of safety in its flights.
