THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) gears up for the expected growth in the volume of passengers as they go home to the provinces or travel overseas to commemorate All Souls’ Day or “Undas” and celebrate the Christmas holidays with their loved ones.

The lifting of travel restrictions and the successful vaccination program of the government promoted confidence among air travelers, as can be gleaned by the continuing increase in MIAA’s passenger statistics over the recent months.

The total monthly passenger traffic at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has already reached 77% of pre-pandemic levels, or around 3 million passengers for the month of August 2022.

Domestic traffic has peaked at around 109% or 1.94 million passengers compared to the same period in 2019, while international passenger traffic remains at just over 50% or 1.06 million passengers of pre-pandemic levels.

International travel has gradually recovered as more destinations like Japan and South Korea lift their strict border restrictions.

To cope with the expected surge in passenger traffic this season, MIAA joins the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in its preparations for the annual “OPLAN Biyaheng Ayos” this Undas and Christmas holidays.

A composite team of MIAA personnel from the public affairs, operations, police, and medical units shall be available to assist passengers at the Oplan Help desks. These desks will be the focal point for all inquiries relating to airport and airline concerns, while personnel from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will be nearby to attend to issues pertaining to passenger rights under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights (APBR).

The MIAA encouraged the Airline Operators Council to designate focal persons so that airline-related concerns can be attended to with dispatch. They will work hand-in-hand with the duty representatives at the Oplan Desk.

MIAA General Manager (GM) Cesar Chiong held discussions with its management team, airlines and other aviation industry stakeholders to ensure the proper deployment of equipment and manpower resources to facilitate the efficient handling of flights.

From MIAA’s end, the GM directed the Terminal Managers to ensure that vital facilities are in good running condition and to implement contingency measures stipulated in the MIAA’s Irregular Operations Manual (MIAA-IROPS) when the need arises. He ordered MIAA monitoring units from operations and security groups to do constant rounds of the airport premises to forestall congestion and queuing in critical areas.

The Engineering team, on the other hand, was advised to ensure that all critical airport infrastructure and equipment are available and the backup systems are ready to be deployed for any possible contingencies. Duty personnel was told to conduct round-the-clock inspections to prevent equipment and facility downtimes.

The security group was directed to increase foot patrol for more visibility to deter incidents of petty crimes in public areas. Perimeter patrol will likewise be heightened, and proper deployment of personnel shall be observed at all times.

Chiong appealed to passengers to continue observing health protocols when inside enclosed areas such as the terminal buildings. He also emphasized the need for passengers to closely coordinate with the airlines to prepare for the entry requirements that may be required at their destination.

For any concerns, passengers may reach NAIA via 0917TEXNAIA (8396242) or through the voice hotline at 88771-1111. MIAA official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MIAAGovPH.