CAAP says domestic flights might be allowed only in areas under GCQ

May 4, 2020

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday said domestic flights might be allowed on areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ) areas as long as they will also go to an area under GCQ.

In a radio interview, CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered the CAAP  to study the gradual re-opening of domestic airports.

“Because they can only operate on GCQ so if the flight came from GCQ (area) and the airport they will be going is (under) ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), there might be a problem,” Apolonio said.

“It should be both GCQ… so CAAP plans the procedure and we will submit to the Secretary of DOTr (Department of Transportation),” he added.

Apolonio said Tugade is concerned with the economic impact of the continuous suspension of flight due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“Despite new normal, airports should still operate,” Apolonio said.

He said passengers are mandated to wear face masks and social distancing will still be observed inside the airplanes.

“And the crew, I understand they have PPE (personal protective equipment) uniforms now,” he said.

Apolonio said those who will not pass the required temperature or feel  sick will not be allowed to board on commercial flights they are planning to open.

On Sunday, the Philippine government has suspended one week all inbound international commercial flights.

“Originally the plan is for one week but it will still depend on the situation,” Apolonio said.

According to National Task Force against COVID-19, the decision is meant to decongest quarantine facilities to protect the people by preventing the further spread of COVID-19 and ensure that  overseas Filipino workers are well taken care of when they arrive from abroad.

NTF said there were approximately 20,000 OFWs undergoing mandatory quarantine in Metro Manila.

 “The new flight restriction is only temporary and will be implemented for one week to give the government the opportunity to decongest the quarantine facilities in Metro Manila,” NTF chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr said.

The DOTr said the move is necessary to ensure that the country would not experience a second wave of coronavirus pandemic due to the increasing number of international passenger arrivals. Ella Dionisio/DMS