By el Amigo
MANILA, October 27, 2026 — About four million passengers are expected to pass through 42 airports managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) from October to November, prompting preparations for a busier travel period around Undas.
CAAP said Tuesday passenger traffic at the airports could increase by 7% to 10% from the 3.7 million recorded during the same period in 2025.
The forecast covers airports under CAAP management but excludes five major gateways covered by public-private partnership projects: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Clark International Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan International Airport.
Passenger data released separately by major airports showed varying increases in traffic.
NAIA handled 19.93 million international passengers from Jan. 1 to Oct. 22, a 2.6% year-on-year increase despite disruptions to international aviation linked to the Middle East conflict.
Clark International Airport likewise reported a 24% increase in domestic passenger traffic and a 4% rise in international passenger numbers in September.
To help accommodate travelers during the Undas period, the Bureau of Immigration said it would deploy additional personnel nationwide from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.
The period covers the annual observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, when large numbers of Filipinos travel to visit cemeteries, reunite with relatives and return to their home provinces.
The projected increase in passenger traffic underscores the need for coordination among airport authorities and immigration personnel as the holiday travel period approaches.
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