ILOILO – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) – Iloilo reported a noticeable surge in passengers at the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan town starting October 30, just days before the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and November 2, respectively.
According to CAAP-Iloilo Terminal Supervisor Arthur Parreño, over 4,700 passengers arrived at the airport on October 30 alone, surpassing the number of departing passengers, which stood at around 3,500.
This increase is anticipated by CAAP-Iloilo each year, as many individuals travel home to observe the holidays, often taking advantage of the work break for an extended vacation.
“We expect this trend to continue through the week after the observance of All Saints’ Day, with more than 30 regular flights scheduled daily,” Parreño told Panay News.
In preparation for the heavy influx, CAAP-Iloilo activated “Oplan Undas 2024”. The operation involves coordination with several government agencies to ensure efficient monitoring and assistance for passengers entering and exiting the airport.
Personnel from the Department of Agriculture (DA) are stationed at the airport to monitor incoming pork and pork products to prevent the entry of goods from African Swine Fever-affected areas. Meanwhile, Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) officers are on hand to assess arriving passengers for signs of infectious diseases, and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) checks international passengers’ documents, especially as flights from Hong Kong to Iloilo resumed on October 28.
CAAP-Iloilo’s security, aviation personnel, and standby nurses are also prepared to assist passengers, distributing alcohol and tissue paper for disinfection as part of their health and safety measures.
Parreño advised passengers with flights to come early to avoid long queues, particularly at check-in counters, and to refrain from bringing restricted items to expedite the security process.
“Arriving early and avoiding restricted items, such as bladed objects, lamps, liquids, aerosols, and gels, can help prevent delays at the airport,” Parreño said./PN
