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About 100 flights of Cebu Pacific from November 14-18 may be affected by the enhanced security measures that will be implemented at the Manila airport for the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on November 16-18 in Manila
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CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla on October 26 said Cebu Pacific was so far the only airline that has notified them as of that day, possibly because they have a high number of flights
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CAB advised all airlines to review scheduled flights and ensure that flight cancellations or adjustments are reasonably necessary to minimize public inconvenience
About 100 flights of Cebu Pacific from November 14-18 may be affected by the enhanced security measures that will be implemented at the Manila airport for the upcoming 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits on November 16-18, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).
In an advisory dated October 26, CAB noted that the arrival of ASEAN delegates may necessitate temporary flight and airport operational adjustments, and enhanced security measures that may affect airline flight schedules and airport operations
CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla, in a radio interview on October 26, said Cebu Pacific was so far the only airline that notified them as of that day, possibly because they have a high number of flights.
Arcilla has yet to respond to a PortCalls request for an updated number of affected flights as of this posting.
Asked why airlines were allowed to book flights during the ASEAN Summit period when the event has been scheduled way before, Arcilla explained that due to the strict security protocols involving heads of states and other high profile figures who will be attending the event, their schedules cannot be released ahead of time and “hard schedules” are provided only about three to four weeks before the event.
Airlines, on the other hand, sell their tickets months in advance.
Through the October 26 advisory, CAB had advised all airlines to review scheduled operations and ensure that flight cancellations or adjustments are reasonably necessary to minimize public inconvenience.
CAB directed airlines to coordinate with relevant airport authorities and to provide immediate notification at the earliest opportunity of the status of flights to passengers whose flights may be cancelled or adjusted via all available means of communication.
Passenger Bill of Rights
Airlines should also strictly adhere to the provisions of the Air Passenger of Bill of Rights (APBR), as amended, particularly on the rights and entitlements of affected passengers, in addition to any goodwill that may be offered.
They should also ensure sufficient personnel are available to extend all possible and timely assistance to passengers who may be affected by such changes.
Air passengers are likewise advised to closely monitor the status of their flights, including any official government and airline advisories for travel updates and coordinate directly with their airlines for alternative options.
In anticipation of possible land traffic congestion, road closures and enhanced security protocols, passengers are also advised to allow sufficient travel time to complete check-in, security screening, and other airport procedures.
Malacañang through Proclamation No. 1447 declared November 16-18 as special non-working days in the National Capital Region in connection with the summit.
The three-day school and work suspension aims to ease traffic congestion and allow the Philippines, as host country and this year’s chair of ASEAN, to ensure the safety and security of summit participants.
The 49th Summit will be held at various venues across Metro Manila, primarily at the Philippine International Convention Center. ASEAN-related meetings during the Summit include, among others, the 16th ASEAN Maritime Forum, 14th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum, 47th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly General Assembly, ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum and Meeting of the Governors/Mayors of ASEAN Capitals 2026.
The ASEAN Summit is the highest policy-making body in ASEAN comprising the heads of state or government of ASEAN member states.
