Cebu Pacific says it's addressing baggage delays at NAIA 3

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific said Tuesday it is now addressing concerns arising from delayed baggage due to an operating system issue at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

In a statement, the Gokongwei-led airline said it was “actively addressing passenger concerns” regarding delayed bags due to ongoing technical issues with the baggage handling system at NAIA Terminal 3.

The budget carrier said the baggage handling issue has been going on since October 18 and has so far resulted in 821 bags left behind as of 1:15 p.m. on October 22.

“We are working closely with the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), which is also exerting every effort to resolve the technical challenges as quickly as possible and restore normal operations,” Cebu Pacific said.

In a separate statement, NNIC said it has coordinated with Cebu Pacific to ensure that contingency measures are effectively addressing the problem.

“Cebu Pacific has established a dedicated team to manage the situation,” the airline said.

The airline said affected passengers were given the choice of having their bags delivered to their destination or picking them up at the airport for domestic flights.

“For international flights, a similar option was available along with delivery services for passengers with onward destinations,” it said.

“Our teams are doing everything in their power to expedite baggage deliveries and ensure all affected passengers are assisted promptly.''

NNIC said both the airport operator and Cebu Pacific have increased manpower to expedite baggage processing.

“Additionally, alternative systems and protocols have been activated to resolve the issue as swiftly as possible,” NNIC said.

New system

The NAIA operator said the baggage handling delays underscored the urgent need to upgrade the airport’s aging infrastructure.

“Since taking over management on September 14, NNIC has been working in phases to modernize the airport’s facilities and critical systems,” NNIC said.

The airport operator said it was putting the replacement of NAIA’s 20-year-old baggage handling system as a top priority in its rehabilitation and modernization efforts.

“NNIC has already procured a new, advanced system, with additional redundancy measures set to be implemented to prevent future disruptions and enhance operational efficiency,” the airline said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News