BI chief calls for resolution of long queue at airports
BUREAU of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco on Wednesday said that all agencies involved in airport operations must work together to resolve airport lines.
Tansingco made the statement after receiving reports of long lines at the immigration area following the post-new year glitch at the country’s airports.
“All counters were manned, but the lines remained long,” said Tansingco. “While passengers were processed expeditiously, more can be done to improve this,” he added.
Tansingco shared that the BI supports the decongestion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the opening of new airports.
“As we open our borders, we should innovate in anticipation of the rebound of international tourism,” said Tansingco.
He bared that they had reached the maximum capacity of counters at the airport and had even assigned two to four immigration officers to counters in certain terminals.
“It’s already a space problem. We can add so many officers, but if the space is limited, then there will still be lines,” he stated.
Tansingco also sought the cooperation of airlines by regulating the influx of passengers through proper scheduling.
“This is a joint concern that we must all address in all aspects,” said Tansingco. “We believe that by working together, this concern can be resolved,” he added. BY JUN I. LEGASPI & HECTOR LAWAS
