PAL to resume limited international, domestic flights

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to resume international and domestic flights on limited capacity upon approval by the Philippine government.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told The STAR that they have identified routes for possible bookings, but still need the go-signal from the government to operate.

“We intend to resume regular, commercial flights by May 16, once allowed by government authorities, public health conditions and the over-all travel environment,” she said.

“We have complete sets of protective suits from mask, gloves, goggles and personal protective equipment (PPE) which our crew will wear during and after every flight for the protection of everyone on board.”

Meanwhile, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal has instructed operations officers and personnel to make sure it is operational when the government gives the go-signal for the airport to operate.

MIAA public affairs office head Connie Bungag also said that their terminals are being sanitized every day, while their equipment such as elevators, escalator, conveyors, aerobridges, air-conditioning system and other electronic devices are being warmed up every day to remain 100 percent operational.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) earlier said those planning to travel abroad after the two-month enhanced community quarantine would have to wait until next year.

“International travel might not happen this year. At this point in time, traveling (abroad) is but a dream,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said during a virtual hearing of the House Committee on Tourism on Tuesday.

Puyat did not say whether such policy would cover domestic travel as she revealed plans for a “new normal” in the tourism industry.

The new normal will be implemented until a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 is found.

She said there would be mandatory regular sanitation or disinfection of hotels and accommodation facilities, tourism transport services and tourism-related establishments such as meeting and exhibit venues, restaurants and spas.