Philippine Airlines fights forced transfer at Los Angeles Airport

Philippine Airlines advises passengers flying into and out of LAX that it would be “forced” out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which it had used for decades, to the Midfield Satellite Concourse beginning June 1 this year. AFP FILE PHOTO / Jay DIRECTO

Philippine Airlines (PAL) launched a protest over the looming transfer of flights from the main terminal of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to a newer, farther-away building, saying it would burden many of its elderly passengers and those with disabilities.

PAL advised passengers flying into and out of LAX that it would be “forced” out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which it had used for decades, to the Midfield Satellite Concourse beginning June 1 this year.

The Midfield Satellite Concourse, where passengers will board and disembark from their flights, was a $1.6 billion expansion project at the LAX.

It was connected to the main terminal via a more than 300-meter underground tunnel with moving walkways accessible by escalators and elevators.

PAL said this would entail another 20 minutes of walking time and passengers unable to use these could avail of transfer vehicles, similar to golf carts. The new concourse also had limited shops and dining options.

PAL argued that large numbers of its passengers were senior citizens or persons with disabilities “who would be better served if the boarding gates are located closer to the check-in and security area.”

A PAL official, who requested anonymity, told the Inquirer they were the only transpacific carrier serving the Philippines being moved to the Midfield Satellite Concourse and the forced transfer reeked of “discrimination.”

PAL, which has been operating out of LAX since 1984, was also a top wheelchair user at LAX. It used over 3,000 wheelchairs per month before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived.

In its advisory, PAL said it had “appealed urgently to the airport authority to reconsider the decision,” referring to the Los Angeles World of Airports (Lawa), the city entity that operates LAX.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that the airport’s decision may cause you,” it said.

The flag carrier added that it was seeking the assistance of city officials, signaling its intent to battle the move by Lawa.

“We will continue to pursue all available remedies in the hope that our flights will be retained at the original gates of the [Tom Bradley International Terminal] for the well-being and convenience of our valued passengers,” PAL said.

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