ILOILO – International flights at the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan town are not resuming anytime soon.
There are no demands or requests from airline companies for direct flights to Singapore and Hong Kong, and back, said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., even as he noted that the provincial government is now ready to implement protocols for the resumption of international flights.
One airline company, which earlier expressed interest to resume international flights, changed its mind, said Defesor.
Recently, the provincial government through Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), Department of Health, Bureau of Quarantine, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)-Iloilo conducted a simulation exercise, particularly in screening incoming passengers to ensure safety and reduce risks brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and even monkeypox.
“There’s no demand. Naga-simulation na kita and we are ready but I think, ang request, there’s one airline that requested but indi na anay sila magdayun so indi sia mag-resume. Wala pa sang flights,” said the governor.
He also stated that if they receive a request from airlines to resume international flights, they are prepared to give a go signal because protocols are already in place.
Three airline companies operate domestic flights at the Iloilo Airport – Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia.
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific used to have direct flights to Singapore and Hong Kong from the Iloilo Airport.
To recall, IPHO chief, Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quion confirmed that all arriving passengers, whether local or foreign, are being monitored for monkeypox signs and symptoms.
In particular, they are on the lookout for any kind of skin lesions —a common manifestation of monkeypox.
“Pagsulod sang aton bisita, foreign man or local, gina-check for any signs and symptoms. Pero mas ginapa-strengthen naton ang paglantaw sang skin lesions nga posible magiging signs and symptoms sang persons nga may monkeypox,” said Quiñon.
The screening team of the provincial government spearheads the monitoring of incoming, both local and foreign, passengers at the airport./PN
