MANILA, Philippines—AirAsia Philippines said fully vaccinated and other eligible travelers will be allowed to fly following the latest Metro Manila Council resolution calling for movement restrictions among the unvaccinated to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“In compliance with the resolution signed by Metro Manila mayors, we will continue to fly eligible vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated guests with essential travel passes only,” AirAsia Philippines spokesman Steve Dailisan said in a statement on Wednesday (Jan. 5).
“AirAsia will always prioritizes the safety of our guests while remaining committed to their needs for air transportation,” the budget carrier added.
The Metro Manila Council resolution came amid the recent surge in COVID infections.
“Given the high vaccination rate in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, we remain optimistic of continued strong demand for air travel and mobility among vaccinated individuals,” Dailisan said.
Philippine Airlines said in a separate statement that domestic travel will also continue even after the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force raised the alert level in Metro Manila.
“If your flight is not affected by cancellations or travel bans, you can make voluntary changes to your flight following the new No-Worry Flight Fare Brand,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said in a statement.
“All changes shall be made within the validity period of your ticket, and applicable fees shall be assessed based on the fare conditions of the route,” she added.
Vilalluna said affected passengers may rebook their trips, avail themselves of a travel fund or apply for a refund.
On Tuesday, Cebu Pacific canceled several flights from Manila to Caticlan, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Puerto Princesa and Tacloban from Jan. 4 to 10 as a “preemptive measure” amid increasing COVID-19 infections.
Cebu Pacific said travelers with trips from Jan. 5 to 31 can postpone their flights up to two hours before departure and rebook their tickets or avail themselves of a travel fund.
AirAsia Philippines is offering unlimited rebooking although added costs may come as a result of fare differences.
The Department of Transportation earlier expressed a statement of support to the Metro Manila Council resolution to temporarily prohibit unvaccinated individuals from traveling domestically via land, sea and air public transport, except for the procurement of essential goods and services, subject to the production of proof to support and justify such travel.
The same prohibition is likewise applicable to individuals aged 17 and below, senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with comorbidity.
This prohibition will be enforced while Metro Manila is under Alert Level 3, the DOTr said.