By el Amigo
MANILA — Additional airport personnel, tighter security and expanded passenger assistance services will be in place at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as an estimated 1.25 million travelers are expected during the Undas travel rush from October 27 to November 4.
The New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) identified October 30 as the expected peak travel day, projecting passenger traffic of approximately 149,000.
In preparation for the influx, NNIC said it was putting operational measures in place to maintain orderly passenger movement and minimize disruptions throughout the nine days.
These include continuous airport monitoring, additional manpower during busy hours, enhanced security operations and closer coordination with airlines, ground handlers, transportation providers and concerned government agencies.
Coordination with the appropriate government departments will cover airport security, passenger processing, health screening and border control.
Police patrols will be increased at terminal entrances, curbside zones and parking areas. K-9 teams will also conduct patrols, while access controls will be tightened. Additional screening staff and checkpoints will be deployed during peak periods, with technical personnel ready to handle equipment failures that could affect passenger processing.
Immigration, customs and quarantine facilities will likewise adjust staffing and open extra counters when passenger volume warrants it.
Travelers needing assistance can approach the 24-hour Public Assistance Desks at the arrival and departure areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The desks will provide directions, travel information, medical assistance and help with other concerns.
Road congestion will be addressed through the deployment of traffic marshals, coordination with road authorities and adjustments to taxi and shuttle services. Inter-terminal shuttle schedules will be aligned with anticipated passenger surges, while additional porters and baggage carts will be provided.
NNIC will also coordinate aircraft stand assignments to accommodate extra or unscheduled flights and avoid delays resulting from parking constraints.
Medical, firefighting, safety, engineering and technical teams will remain on standby throughout the Undas period as the airport prepares for heavier passenger and flight activity.
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