The new normal setup will soon be applied by local airlines once operations will be allowed to resume if Mega Manila is placed under general community quarantine on May 16.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal earlier said airports will abide by the health standards imposed by the government once normal operations resume on May 16.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will release proper guidelines on the implementing rules and regulation for social distancing. It added that thermal scanners will be placed in its ticket offices while flight attendants will wear PPEs inside planes.
Aside from queues, PAL will observe social distancing inside the plane but families will be allowed to sit together.
PAL Spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said they will implement a system where all seats except the middle seat will be sold first.
Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific will practice contactless boarding. Cebu Pacific Communications Director Charo Logarta-Lagamon said they strongly encourage web and mobile check in to prevent queueing when checking in for the flights. One check in baggage per individual not exceeding seven kilograms will be strictly observed.
Local airlines are also offering free rebooking for passengers affected by the cancellation of flights due to COVID-19. – Report from Karen Villanda