MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In an act of solidarity with the airline industry during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), has moved to extend the period for the deferred collection of various fees and charges from its airport concessionaires.
In a virtual press briefing led by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade on Thursday, 30 April 2020, transport officials discussed actions which may be taken by the DOTr in addressing the coronavirus pandemic, and the guidelines to be implemented by the transportation sector for areas in the country covered by general community quarantine (GCQ).
During the briefing, CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco announced that the agency has extended the deferred collection of several fees and charges, including lease or rental fees from airport concessionaires. The “rental holiday” has been extended until 15 May 2020, following the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period in Metro Manila and other “high risk” areas in the country. A “rental holiday” was initially granted from 15 March to 30 April 2020.
“Secretary Tugade has instructed us to implement another rental holiday in view of the extension of the ECQ up to May 15. Further rental holidays will be discussed and possibly agreed upon as the situation progresses. At present, the threat of COVID-19 remains and continues to increase that’s why we have to act and help the airline industry recover,” Director General Sydiongco said.
Additionally, a one-year deferment of the collection of landing/take-off and parking fees for domestic and international flights has been implemented in all CAAP-operated airports. The deferment of payment started on 12 March 2020 and will take effect until 12 March 2021.
For the MIAA, collection of aeronautical fees of local air carriers has also been deferred for a period of one (1) year effective on 01 March 2020 billings. Rental charges of all concessionaires operating at the terminals, including check-in counter charges are waived for two (2) months effective 15 March 2020 or until the scheduled end of the ECQ.
Further, MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal said that interest charges for late settlement of account that fall due within the ECQ period are waived. MIAA is also not imposing interest on the deferred collection of May 2020 rental.
“The [MIAA] Board has approved these agreements to unload the burden that the airline industry experiences during this time, especially that the recovery is seen to build up slowly even after the COVID-19 situation subsides,” GM Monreal said.
The implementation of “rental holidays” and the deferment of the collection of landing and take-off charges was initially directed by Secretary Tugade last March, following the enforcement of ECQ in the entire Luzon.
“The airline industry is one of the sectors hardly-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. By deferring charges, we are supporting our airline concessionaires to thrive despite this unfortunate circumstance. We will continue helping each other until such time that the number of flights and passengers increase once again,” Secretary Tugade expressed.
Meanwhile, apart from the deferment of several airline charges and fees amid the COVID-19 crisis, new airport measures are also being implemented to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.
Sydiongco said that these measures include the provision of sanitation items and foot baths in every entry and exit points; and observance of routine disinfection for surfaces and equipment frequently exposed, such as screening equipment and trays at the security checkpoint and baggage areas. (Press Release)
