MIAA: Passengers at NAIA on 1st week of Dec. twice as many in same period in 2020

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported that passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from December 1 to 8 were twice as many during the same period last year, according to Jonathan Andal’s “24 Oras” report on Friday.

Based on MIAA data, at least 331,840 passengers were recorded at NAIA's three terminals, higher than the 112,373 passengers in December 2020.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,004,048 passengers were logged at NAIA during the same period in pre-pandemic 2019.

MIAA assured it is prepared for the influx of passengers during the holiday season.

The airport management reminded passengers to complete the requirements before going to the airport, adding that some only received their RT-PCR result when they were at the airport.

“Kung minsan kasi daw yung resulta, natatanggap nila 'pag nasa airport na sila. Nareresolba naman, nagagawan ng paraan na ma-isolate sila,” Ed Monreal, general manager of MIAA, said.

(Sometimes they receive the result when they are already in the airport, but we are able resolve it anyway and isolate them if their RT-PCR results are positive.)

The MIAA said most passengers will go home for holiday vacation in provinces, while some will head to beaches such as Boracay.

“Babakasyon sa lola, December po Pasko sama-sama kailangan, minsan lang,” passenger Rose Bernantes said.

(We will have a vacation in our grandmother’s home in the province since it is Christmas.)

Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have also increased. However, they need to be quarantined and have a negative RT-PCR test before returning home to their families.

“Kaya hindi na rin ako nag-extend eh baka mamaya mag restriction kasi may bagong variant na naman eh,” Rose Gucilatar said.

(I didn't extend my vacation because they might be strict again due to the Omicron COVID-19 variant.)

Ports

Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported at least 20% increase in the number of passengers in various ports, adding that the influx of passengers were mostly in the ports of Batangas, Matnog, and Manila North Harbor.

Some passengers are waiting in ports as chance passengers.

“Miss ko na yung anak ko eh, magpa-Pasko na kasi wala akong pera hindi ko na kaya, nami-miss ko na yung pamilya ko,” Josephine Reponte said.

(I miss my children, I don't have money but I miss my family since it is the Christmas season.)

Jay Daniel Santiago, PPA general manager, advised passengers to avoid going to  ports without a ticket to avoid inconvenience.

“Doon sa mga kababayan na walang pambili ng ticket ahead of going sa pantalan or di makapagbook online sa mga sasakyan ninyo huwag muna kayong pumunta sa mga pantalan natin at aasa na maging chance passenger kasi talagang doon mai-inconvenience kayo,” Santiago added.

(For those passengers who do not have money to buy a ticket or cannot book your online, do not go to our ports and take chances of boarding for free to avoid inconvenience.)—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News