PH airlines see tougher times ahead

Local airlines are bracing themselves for more pain after the Duterte administration extended the Luzon lockdown for another two weeks until April 30 this year.

Regular operations of major carriers Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia Philippines have been grounded for nearly a month since the enhanced community quarantine was implemented to halt the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The three airlines said on Tuesday regular operations would remain suspended while the quarantine was in place.

“Regular commercial operations will commence at some point after the lifting of the quarantine,” PAL said.

“The approach will be a calibrated one taking into account passenger appetite, forward bookings and travel restrictions across various cities we fly to,” the flag carrier added.

The extension adds pressure to the country’s embattled carriers, which have so far shelled out more than P7 billion in refunds to customers while fixed costs to the tune of P8 billion a month continue.

The situation also points to a longer recovery time for the industry as the government prioritizes the health of millions of Filipinos amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines earlier reached out to the Philippine government for a financial lifeline as a prolonged shutdown posed an “existential threat” to the airline industry. INQ