Manila: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is expecting around 6.5 million passengers across the 44 commercial airports it operates during the Holy Week, an executive said Thursday. The estimated volume is expected from March 28 to April 5, CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.
According to Philippines News Agency, CAAP is anticipating a yearly average increase of seven to 10 percent in passenger volume. Last year, there was an 18 percent rise in the total number of passengers during the Holy Week to 6 million compared to 5.1 million in 2024, said Apolonio.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) deputy spokesperson Melvin Mabulac stated that the bureau is prepared for the influx of inbound and outbound passengers during the Holy Week. 'We will have additional staff, desk augmentation. And there was also a directive even before this Holy Week that it is not allowed to file a leave, we have a leave ban,' he said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing. He added that the number of e-gates will be increased to enhance convenience for travelers, with a total of 24 e-gates available at NAIA Terminal 3 and NAIA Terminal 1 for arrivals and departures, including for OFWs. Mabulac also reminded passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flights.
Meanwhile, as part of preparations for the peak season, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) on Thursday advised passengers to check their itineraries and boarding passes, especially the flight number and terminal assignment. Effective March 29, all flights of Cebgo and AirSWIFT, both CEB subsidiaries, operating to and from Manila will transfer to Clark. Passengers are also advised to be at the airport at least three hours before a domestic flight and four hours before an international flight.
CEB emphasized that check-in counters close 45 minutes before the scheduled time of departure for domestic flights and one hour for international flights to ensure there is ample time for all necessary pre-flight procedures. To avoid long lines, CEB passengers may check in via the airline's official mobile app or through the manage booking section of its website. Both options are available from 48 hours up to one hour before the scheduled time of departure for domestic flights, and up to two hours before scheduled departure for international flights. CEB also informed that portable electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and tablets must be placed in carry-on baggage, while power banks with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh require approval from the check-in counter.
