The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is on high alert as it expects more than half a million passengers at all its airports this Holy Week.
CAAP Director General Raul L. “We want to assure the public that all CAAP-operated airports are fully prepared to handle the increase in passenger numbers, with measures being taken to ensure safe, smooth and convenient travel for all,” del Rosario said in a statement on Monday.
CAAP said it expects an estimated 550,000 passengers at the 42 airports under its management. This is 8.80% more than the 505,511 passengers recorded in the same period a year ago.
It said it has ordered all field and airport managers to intensify operations by deploying additional personnel, implementing strict security protocols and continuously monitoring passenger movement to ensure safety and seamless travel.
Additionally, New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC) said it expects passenger traffic to increase to 1.35 million passengers during the Easter travel season, up from 1.33 million passengers recorded in 2024.
The Philippine Ports Authority said on Sunday that the number of passengers at ports between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday will increase by 2.46 million, up 2.07% from a year ago.
However, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said Monday that the agency is seeing a 10% reduction in trips on shipping lines due to rising fuel costs.
“Based on our study, on reports from last week. [We have seen] Reduction of about 10%. Some shipping lines have halted some voyages for cost efficiency and savings,” Mr. Lopez told reporters on Monday.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) had earlier authorized ship operators to charge a fuel surcharge of up to 20% of the base fare, among other measures to promote efficient use of fuel.
The regulator said it is also allowing shipping companies to adjust their operations by consolidating or reducing voyages to optimize vessel utilization in the interest of cutting fuel consumption, subject to marina approval.
“So, in the marina, we issued an exemption order. In terms of scheduling, we are reducing the requirements a little bit so they can fill the vessels,” Mr. Lopez said. — Ashley Erica O. jose