State-run Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) expects airlines to sustain their current 82 percent on-time performance (OTP) during the Undas season.
From October 1 to 18, MIAA recorded an average OTP of 82.4 percent from the 13,519 flights and 2.08 million passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
This indicates that a significant majority of flights departed and arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, well within international standards, MIAA said.
In a statement, Bryan Co, MIAA officer in charge, said he remains positive that the rising trend in OTP will be sustained during the peak travel season.
He cited the operations during “OplanBiyahengAyos: Semana Santa 2023” in April which managed 1.18 million passengers with an average OTP of 85 percent and improved the overall terminal experience for travelers.
“Our objective is to minimize crowding in passenger and aircraft movement areas through the timely dispatch of flights. We’re striving to establish this as a norm at NAIA. Thanks to our partnerships with airlines and government agencies, passengers are starting to notice a positive shift in NAIA operations,” Co added.
MIAA expects 1.2 million passengers at NAIA over the 10-day period starting October 27, with an average passenger traffic of 130,000 daily, surpassing last year’s average of 94,000 passengers daily.
Co said the airlines have developed contingency plans to avoid compromising passenger comfort.
Cebu Pacific, for instance, with the most local destinations, has increased its spare aircraft number to mitigate the effects of any flight disruptions due to unforeseen incidents. It also teamed up with Terminal 3 food stalls to cater to its passengers during any flight delays or disruptions.
Philippine Airlines recently launched a paid lounge in Terminal 2, offering an additional comfort option for passengers.
Air Asia, meanwhile, plans to establish multiple customer help desks in Terminal 2 and promote self check-in through kiosks or the AirasiaSuperapp.
The Department of Transportation’s nationwide “OplanBiyahengAyos: Barangay & SK Elections and Undas 2023” will take place from October 27 to November 5.
For this year, passenger volume at NAIA is expected to reach 45 million in both domestic and international operations, up by 46 percent from the same period last year, according to MIAA.
