ALL 42 commercial airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will remain on heightened alert in time for the expected passenger surge during Undas.
“Airports are on heightened alert. This means more people and more baggage will be screened. If their shoes looked suspicious, for example, this will also be scrutinized,” CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said during the Bagong Pilipinas public briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Early this month, CAAP announced that the 42 airports were put on heightened alert due to several bomb threats.
On Oct. 2, flight operations at the Bicol International Airport temporarily stopped when a crumped notebook page scribbled with the word “BOMB” was found inside a parked aircraft’s lavatory.
On Oct. 4, the Air Traffic Management Center received a bomb threat via email, warning of aircraft from Manila, bound to Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol, and Davao International Airports are about to be set off by a bomb.
Meanwhile, Apolonio said CAAP airports are ready for the passenger surge. Additional manpower, especially from the airlines, was deployed beginning Oct. 24 until Nov. 4.
To avoid long queues, Apolonio advised passengers to avoid bringing prohibited items such as sharp objects and liquids.
They are also encouraged to arrive at the airport two to three hours before their flight, he said.
“We also advise them to check with the airlines whether the flight (schedule) was adjusted or canceled, to avoid inconvenience,” Apolonio added.
He said CAAP is not expecting any problem on Nov. 1, as coordination with other concerned agencies is continuous. (PNA)/PN
