Manila Airport. Photo: Shutterstock Significant disruptions to aviation in the Philippines: Starting today (Friday, November 13) and until November 18, more than 300 flights are expected to be affected by cancellations, schedule changes and operational restrictions, following preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit to be held in Manila.
In a new official statement issued today, November 13, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced the tightening of security arrangements at airports, major transportation terminals, and access roads, in preparation for the arrival of international leaders and delegations to the country.
According to the statement, National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nertatez Jr. and acting regional police chief Christopher Abrahano inspected the multi-agency coordination center established in Pasay City. The center will allow surveillance through security cameras and coordination between security agencies and authorities during the arrival, stay in the country and departure of the delegations.
The police have ordered an increased security presence at transportation hubs and along official convoy routes, while preparing for congestion and possible disruptions in passenger traffic.
According to a statement from the Philippine Department of Transportation released yesterday (November 12) through the government information agency, more than 300 flights are expected to be affected between November 13 and 18.
The changes affect domestic and international flights of three major airlines: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines, which operate from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon explained that hosting the international event requires a large-scale security operation in Metro Manila, including at the airport where most of the leaders and delegations are expected to land.
Philippine Airlines has already released an official list of flights canceled or rescheduled between November 14 and 18, including domestic flights and international flights to destinations in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Transportation to ensure that passengers affected by the disruptions receive assistance and do not bear additional costs due to the changes.
In accordance with the guidelines and passenger rights, options include changing the flight date without penalties, a full refund, or converting the ticket to credit for a future flight.
Assistance centers have been set up at all terminals of Manila Airport as well as at Clark and Mactan-Cebu airports to assist passengers whose flights have been affected.
In another government announcement issued today, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that 2,637 personnel will operate as part of the traffic management system in preparation for the summit.
Authorities have clarified that the main roads in the metropolis will remain open, but limited security zones, alternative routes, and special traffic arrangements will be established around the incident sites.
Between November 16 and 18, special arrangements will be implemented to allow the movement of official delegations.
Authorities recommend that passengers check flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport, arrive early due to increased security checks, and prepare for possible traffic congestion.
The police called on the public to obey the instructions of security forces, to be vigilant, and to report suspicious objects or unusual activity.
The 49th ASEAN Summit is expected to bring together leaders and senior officials from Southeast Asian countries and partner countries in Manila, under special security arrangements that will continue throughout the event.