Airports on alert for Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines — All 44 airports in the country are on heightened alert for the observance of Holy Week, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced yesterday.

The Manila International Airport Authority and the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. also placed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on alert in anticipation of a projected 20 percent increase in passenger traffic during the Lenten season.

Medical tents will be put up at the NAIA Terminals.

Security forces with K9 dogs will sweep the airport and its perimeters.

The “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Semana Santa” 2025 aims to ensure the safety, security and efficiency of air travel, according to CAAP director general Raul del Rosario.

He said the operation of airports would be around the clock. The leaves of essential personnel were suspended to effectively manage the surge of travelers.

The CAAP said more help desks would be deployed in major airports to provide assistance and ensure a more seamless travel.

The CAAP also held security coordination meetings with key agencies, including the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Unit, Office for Transportation Security, Department of Tourism, Civil Aeronautics Board as well as airline operators.

PITX sees 2.5 million travelers

Over 2.5 million passengers are expected to flock to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange during Holy Week, an increase of about 700,000 compared to the previous year, PITX management said yesterday.

Kolyn Calbasa, PITX senior corporate affairs officer, said the surge in passengers began on Wednesday and would continue until April 23.

“We have more routes and definitely, PITX has become well-known as a landport for passengers traveling to provinces, especially Bicol, which is the most booked,” Calbasa told The STAR.

The PITX also anticipates another traffic surge from April 21 to 23, when travelers start returning to Metro Manila for school and work.

Road safety

As millions of Filipinos prepare to hit the road for the Holy Week break, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has rolled out “Oplan Semana Santa” 2025 to ensure safe travel across Metro Manila and the provinces.

LTO Chairman Vigor Mendoza II directed all regional offices and agency personnel to implement comprehensive road safety plans, including the deployment of law enforcement units to major highways, bus terminals, airports and seaports.

The Department of Transportation said it would suspend or revoke the licenses of shipping operators found violating the anti-overloading policy this Holy Week.  – Christine Boton, Evelyn Macairan