Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon conducted an inspection in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) a few days before the start of Holy Week, in anticipation of a surge in travelers.
Joining him during the inspection were the new NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) General Manager Angelito Alvares, Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco, and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
In a press conference held at the airport on Thursday, Dizon assured the public a safe and comfortable travel this Holy Week across all modes of transportation, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
He also suggested ways to ease congestion and improve the travel experience, such as opening of check-in counters four hours before flights during peak periods and additional immigration counters dedicated to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), aimed at reducing long queues.
Despite the enhancements, Dizon acknowledged the potential for delays due to the sheer number of travelers and advised passengers to be patient all the time.
“Syempre kahit papaano, kahit napakarami ng improvements, hindi natin maiiwasan na magkakaaberya pa rin dahil nga sa sobrang dami ng mga taong bibiyahe,” he stressed.
“Ang advice ko lang na konting pasensya lang. Pagpasensyahan natin ang kapwa natin biyahero at pagpasensyahan ang mga tumutulong sa atin sa airport, ang mga opisyal at mga nagtatrabaho sa airport kasi hindi rin biro ang magtrabaho ng ganito katagal,” he said.
In addition, NNIC General Manager Alvares expressed confidence in their preparation to manage the high passenger turnout, noting the improvements made at the airport, including the expansion of parking facilities.
Alvares highlighted the expected increase in passenger volume of 155,000 to 157,000 compared to last year’s 140,000 daily travelers during the same period.
Authorities continue to urge passengers to arrive early, stay patient, and cooperate with airport personnel to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience during the Holy Week exodus.
