ILOILO – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Iloilo is ready to accommodate the influx of passengers anticipated at the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan town this Holy Week.
Manuela Luisa Palma, the Iloilo Airport manager, announced that from Sunday, March 24, through March 31, Malasakit Help Desks in both the pre-departure and arrival areas will aid passengers. This initiative is part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) national roll-out of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2024.
“We have assigned dedicated staff to these desks,” Palma told Panay News.
The Malasakit Help Desks are staffed by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and CAAP-Iloilo’s security forces.
Nurses are also available at each desk to offer assistance to passengers who might feel unwell due to the heat.
Beyond offering assistance, the helpdesks will also distribute “malasakit kits” comprising bottled water and bread, to passengers.
Palma emphasized CAAP-Iloilo’s commitment to facilitating a smooth travel experience through the Iloilo Airport. She noted that Holy Week, alongside Christmas and the summer months of April and May, represents a peak travel period, drawing thousands of passengers.
“We are prepared for the thousands of passengers choosing to vacation here,” Palma said.
A meeting with relevant government agencies was held last week to ensure seamless service for all airport visitors.
The Iloilo Airport currently accommodates an average of 26 departure and 26 arrival flights daily, with Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia as the operating airlines.
The primary travel routes include Metro Manila-Iloilo, Iloilo-Cebu, and Iloilo-Davao, all with return services.
Palma advises passengers to arrive at the airport ahead of their scheduled flights to avoid delays from traffic, and encourages online check-in to expedite airport entry and reduce wait times at check-in counters.
“We urge passengers to arrive early and consider online check-in to streamline their airport experience,” Palma suggested.
She also confirmed that security measures are in place to address petty crimes and other contingencies, with continuous patrols by security forces to ensure the safety of passengers and visitors.
Other airports in the region, including Kalibo International Airport and Bacolod Silay Airport, are similarly prepared for the Holy Week rush. Extensive preparations and coordination have been undertaken to manage the anticipated surge in travelers efficiently, ensuring a safe and pleasant journey for passengers across airports in Area Center VI during this busy season./PN
