CAB monitors compliance on passenger rights

MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is closely monitoring the compliance of airlines in honoring the rights of passengers at the height of suspension of flights arising from the ongoing repair of the radar system at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In a statement, CAB said that it has intensified the monitoring and passenger assistance activities at the four terminals of NAIA during the past two days to assist passengers who were unable to receive the notices of flight cancellation and proceeded to the airports for their flights.

Under the Airline Passengers Bill of Rights (APBR), CAB said airlines are required to inform the passengers of the cancellation at the soonest possible time.

Notwithstanding, some passengers were unable to receive such messages.

The regulator clarified that affected passengers could have their tickets refunded or rebooked, while those who are already at the airport at the time the cancellation must be given the amenities provided by the regulation.

 â€œSaid rights are available to the passengers even if the flight cancellation was beyond the control of the airlines,” CAB clarified.

The CAB assured the public that it would continue to coordinate with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) until the repair of the radar system is completed.

 â€œWe will also continue to monitor the progress of the upgrading for the benefit the public and to ensure that airlines are compliant with the APBR,” the agency said.

The ongoing repair of the NAIA radar system to further improve air traffic control and monitoring has led to the cancellation of several flights of national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) subsidiary PAL Express, and budget airline Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific).